Integrating sustainable materials into construction: A review of Zimbabwe’s Model building by-laws

Abstract

Environmental challenges associated with the use of traditional construction materials are widespread in Zimbabwe. Despite the availability of sustainable construction materials, the failure to adopt the Model Buildings by-law of 1977 has stalled the promotion of strategic interventions. Hence, the study identified pertinent modifications to the Model building by-laws that could enable the utilisation of sustainable construction materials—the interpretivist philosophy employed semi-structured online interviews. Purposive sampling was used to solicit views from sixteen (16) construction professionals, academics, and relevant local government officials with experience in sustainable construction. The generation of modern by-laws with relevant, sustainable material specifications, design-related modifications, and the adoption of green building principles or methodologies were the major themes identified. A comprehensive stakeholder engagement was recommended to ensure that any modifications are practical and implementable. Using sustainable construction materials requires a policy intervention incorporating a comprehensive stakeholder support framework from manufacture to material disposal. The paper highlights the necessary changes to the model-building by-laws (MBBLs) to integrate sustainable construction material utilisation in Zimbabwe. This is valuable to all stakeholders in the construction industry as it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of climate action and responsible production and consumption. The main limitation was the exclusive use of a key-informant qualitative design rather than end users. However, the exploratory nature of the study supported the approach.

Keywords: Building regulations, Model building by-laws, Sustainable construction materials, Zimbabwe.