1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In late 20th century, increasing awareness of environmental issues, such as resource depletion, pollution, and climate change, began to influence the construction industry. The Brundtland Commission's report in 1987, which introduced the concept of sustainable development, marked a turning point by defining sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). This prompted a shift in the construction sector towards adopting greener, more sustainable practices, which, in turn, expanded the role of quantity surveyors.
The 21st century saw a deeper integration of sustainability into quantity surveying, with professionals now playing an active role in reducing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects. This expanded role includes assessing the environmental and financial costs of building materials, energy efficiency measures, and waste management systems (Ashworth & Hogg, 2013). Today, quantity surveyors are seen as key players in promoting sustainability, with their influence extending beyond cost management to shaping the entire lifecycle of construction projects.
The increasing emphasis on sustainability within the construction industry is a direct response to the environmental, social, and economic challenges that have intensified over the past few decades. With the global construction sector accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, there has been a paradigm shift toward integrating sustainability into all aspects of infrastructure development (Baldwin et al., 2010). Sustainable infrastructure development aims to balance the needs of present and future generations by focusing on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Quantity surveyors, traditionally tasked with cost estimation, contract management, and financial planning, are now positioned to play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of infrastructure projects. Their involvement in the early stages of project planning and design allows them to influence the selection of sustainable materials, the use of innovative construction methods, and the adoption of green building practices (Ashworth & Perera, 2018). As sustainability becomes a core component of global construction standards, quantity surveyors are increasingly required to integrate lifecycle costing and environmental impact assessments into their decision-making processes.
The role of quantity surveyors is evolving in response to these industry demands. Modern quantity surveyors are expected to have a solid understanding of sustainable construction practices and the ability to guide stakeholders towards cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions (Perera et al., 2011). Despite the growing recognition of their potential impact, there remain challenges related to knowledge gaps, limited resources, and resistance to change within the construction industry. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to evaluate how quantity surveyors contribute to sustainable infrastructure development, exploring the extent of their involvement and the barriers they face in driving sustainable outcomes.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there is lack of adequate training and expertise in sustainable construction practices among quantity surveyors. While the industry has made strides towards sustainability, many professionals still lack a comprehensive understanding of green building technologies, lifecycle costing, and environmental impact assessments, which limits their ability to influence project decisions effectively (Olanrewaju & Abdul-Aziz, 2015).
Another significant problem is the reluctance of stakeholders to embrace sustainable solutions due to perceived higher upfront costs. Quantity surveyors often face resistance from clients who prioritize short-term cost savings over long-term environmental and economic benefits. This hesitancy is particularly pronounced in developing countries, where budget constraints and limited awareness of sustainability lead to a preference for traditional, cost-focused approaches (Ofori, 2017).
Furthermore, the lack of standardized guidelines and frameworks for sustainable construction is creating inconsistency in how sustainability is implemented. Quantity surveyors frequently encounter difficulties in aligning their practices with diverse sustainability criteria, which vary by region and project type (Perera, 2011).
Lastly, the construction industry's overall resistance to change is another problem. Despite the growing recognition of the need for sustainable development, many construction firms continue to rely on traditional methods, materials, and practices that are not aligned with sustainability goals. This reluctance to innovate limits the scope of quantity surveyors to advocate for environmentally responsible solutions, which is critical for driving sustainable infrastructure development (Hwang & Ng, 2013).
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of quantity surveyors in sustainable infrastructures development. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the potential strategies for enhancing the role of quantity surveyors in promoting sustainable infrastructure development.
- To assess the extent to which quantity surveyors incorporate sustainability principles in infrastructure development.
- To examine the impact of quantity surveyors' decisions on the lifecycle costing and environmental sustainability of projects.
- To identify the challenges that hinder quantity surveyors from fully integrating sustainable practices in construction projects.
- To evaluate the level of awareness and knowledge of sustainable construction methods among quantity surveyors.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- To what extent do quantity surveyors incorporate sustainability principles in infrastructure development?
- How do quantity surveyors' decisions impact the lifecycle costing and environmental sustainability of construction projects?
- What challenges do quantity surveyors face in integrating sustainable practices into construction projects?
- What strategies can be employed to enhance the role of quantity surveyors in promoting sustainable infrastructure development?
- What is the level of awareness and knowledge of sustainable construction methods among quantity surveyors?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0: Quantity surveyors do not significantly contribute to the integration of sustainability principles in infrastructure development.
- H1: Quantity surveyors significantly contribute to the integration of sustainability principles in infrastructure development.
1.6 Significance of Study
The findings of this research will help industry professionals understand the challenges quantity surveyors face in implementing sustainable practices and will offer recommendations for overcoming these obstacles. This will benefit not only quantity surveyors but also construction firms, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance sustainability in the built environment.
Furthermore, the study will serve as a resource for educational institutions, helping to shape the curriculum for future quantity surveyors by emphasizing the importance of sustainability knowledge and practices. Ultimately, this research will contribute to the broader goal of achieving sustainable development within the construction industry, fostering long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on evaluating the role of quantity surveyors in sustainable infrastructures development.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Delays in Response from respondents, especially in surveys and interviews, hindered the timely gathering of primary data. Many respondents were unavailable or required multiple follow-ups, which prolonged the data collection phase.
- Financial Constraints posed another challenge. Limited resources restricted access to advanced research tools, literature, and travel for fieldwork, which might have enhanced the quality of the study.
- Finally, time constraints affected the depth of the research. With a fixed timeline, the study was unable to explore certain aspects of the topic in greater detail, limiting the scope of the analysis.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Quantity Surveyor: A professional in the construction industry responsible for managing all aspects of the contractual and financial side of construction projects, including cost estimation, procurement, and financial control. Quantity surveyors play a crucial role in advising clients on cost-effective solutions while ensuring quality and sustainability in the project (Ashworth & Perera, 2018).
Sustainable Infrastructure Development: This refers to the process of designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, conserves resources, and promotes long-term economic and social sustainability. It involves incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and practices that reduce waste and pollution (Baldwin et al., 2010).
Lifecycle Costing: A method used to assess the total cost of ownership of a project or asset over its entire life, including initial costs, maintenance, and disposal. in the context of sustainable development, lifecycle costing helps quantity surveyors evaluate the long-term financial and environmental impacts of materials and processes (Flanagan & Jewell, 2018).
Green Building Practices: These are construction practices that focus on reducing the environmental impact of buildings through the use of sustainable materials, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Quantity surveyors are increasingly involved in guiding projects toward compliance with green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM (Hwang & Tan, 2012).
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): A systematic process used to evaluate the environmental consequences of a proposed project or development before it begins. Quantity surveyors may incorporate the results of EIAs into project planning to ensure sustainability goals are met (Glasson et al., 2013).
