Assessment of Environmental Management Approach Application at Construction Industry in Gaza Strip

Abstract

The study aims to improve the sustainable development by enhance better planning and implementation for environmental management (EM) of Construction Industry (CI) in Gaza Strip (GS), specifically the manufacturing of Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC), building bricks and Interlock Paving (IP) bricks. The objectives of this research have been achieved through reviewing most related literature, and visiting targeted manufacturing sites. Also, both semi-structured and structured questionnaire interviews were used to collect real data for assessing the EM application in these manufacturing sites. The results of qualitatively analyzing 18 semi-structured interviews with decision makers; showed that EM approach is considered at making decisions in the studied sector. In addition, monitoring was either not applied in most assessment themes or it was insignificantly applied in other themes. The results of quantitatively analyzing of 61 structured questionnaire interviews with sites’ managers; showed that environmental considerations were partially applied at some studied themes for assessment (authorization, air pollution management, water& wastewater, chemicals & fuels management; and human resources & safety management). Yet, results of the same analyzing showed that environmental considerations were almost not applied at the rest studied themes for assessment (solid waste, noise and natural resources & energy management). The study showed that application of EM, at the studied sector in GS, differs according to the assessment parameters. Whereas, at some assessment parameters; the application was utterly effective. But for other parameters it was notably less effective and not well managed nor planned. This study concluded that there is not an application of the EM approach that complies with necessities of the real situation, and the increased production of RMC, building bricks and IP bricks inside GS. The results of this study recommended that EQA should set defined oriented approaches for the EM at CI, and it should establish compliance and enforcement programs. Moreover, the study recommended that all responsible authorities should cooperate to find a comprehensive monitoring strategy which gathers all responsible regulating authorities. Also, governmental authorities should work, in cooperation with specialized engineering colleges and Engineers Association, to increase the engineers’ awareness of EM in CI.