Review and challenges of implementing sustainable building construction policies, laws and regulations in developing countries

There is a recognised need for effective implementation of sustainable building laws and regulations in response to building failure, the global energy shortage and climate warming. The aim of this paper is to review and contrast the status and extent of implementation of sustainable building policies in selected countries (England, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and South Africa). It also aims at identifying the trends, gaps and good practice in implementing Building Regulations. In a case study like exercise, the authors carried out a desktop review of building laws, regulations and policies of the selected countries and conducted three focus group discussions with 19 key stakeholders of the building construction field in Cameroon. The results analysed using the thematic method illustrate that although developed countries have moved to the development, adoption and effective implementation of innovative building codes, developing countries still lack behind and building policies, laws and regulations developed in those countries are not effectively implemented. Implementation of these policies and strategies is generally rated as being poor. The reasons highlighted for this include lack of accountability mechanisms, poor or inadequate processes, lack of policy coherence, lack of collaborative framework, resistance to cultural change and qualitative and quantitative understaffing. We conclude that contextual realities and local cultures significantly affect not only the development of building policies but also their implementation. Good practices learnt from developed countries are noted and suggestions including reinforcing the role of government in policy coordination, establishment of strong policy processes and effective collaboration between stakeholders and development of an effective building control system to enhance the implementation of building laws and regulations are made. The review focuses on policy implementation and does not consider aspects of policy planning and development even though they impact upon the implementation. The review highlights the best practices for implementing building policies, laws and regulations and gives a food for thought for policymakers and practitioners. It sets the ground for the development of a global implementation framework dedicated to building construction laws and regulations for developing countries.