Materials selection and installation decisions for sustainable upgrade of existing structures: Case study of Ghana

The negative effects of construction on the environment have been acknowledged all over the world. Materials and technologies are developed regularly to help address challenges posed by rising populations and related energy demands and emissions. The purpose of this study is to investigate decisions that influence materials selection for sustainable upgrade of existing structures and identify the extent to which environmental factors are applied. The study adopted a quantitative approach that involved an extensive literature review and a survey questionnaire randomly distributed to professionals in the construction industry as a way of identifying innovative sustainable upgrade decisions. A Mann-Whitey U test analysis was applied to establish decisions affecting materials selection. The results show materials selection decisions for sustainable upgrade of existing structures are focused on cost and physical properties including demand for materials, cost of sustainable upgrade, colour and texture of construction materials. Policy decisions and implementation strategies are required to improve environmental sustainability, and thereby reduce the negative effects of construction on the climate. Environmental considerations do not influence decisions on materials selection as much as cost, physical and aesthetics factors.