THE CHALLENGES OF INTRODUCING A NEW GREEN BUILDING MATERIAL IN ENVIRONMENTALLY EMERGING COUNTRIES; A STAKEHOLDERS� PERCEPTIONS STUDY IN CYPRUS

Abstract

While comprehensive legislative frameworks may exist, the sustainable management of construction and demolition waste has proven challenging, especially for countries where environmental maturity may be still lacking. Recognizing the great potential for recycling and reusing CDW materials, Cypriot researchers are developing a new green building facade material using recycled materials. However, the market success of such a material is highly dependent on sound management and on stakeholders� acceptance, hence the undertaking of a survey aiming to explore the attitudes and perceptions of Cypriot construction stakeholders. A total of 187 individuals participated in a survey, which used a 20-question questionnaire, that collected data through live interviews. Analysis of data indicated a strong support for CDW management, but also the belief that the existing legislative framework is somewhat lacking and not adequately implemented. In parallel, a confusion on existing management efforts was identified, suggesting the need for better education of stakeholders. The reduction of operational costs was identified as the strongest incentive for companies to adopt actions towards proper CDW management, while the improvement of their public image was not considered as adequate motivation. Despite the fact that respondents strongly support CDW recycling and the idea of green materials, they are not very trusting towards using building materials that are newly-introduced in the market.