The participation of built environment (BE) professionals is essential in pushing the agenda of green buildings (GBs) in the construction industry. Considering willingness to pay (WTP) in light of these professionals plays a role in the management of the construction industry as one of the major energy consumers and emitters of greenhouse gases. This study, from an extended perspective of green building, seeks to examine the factors that influence Built Environment (BE) Professionals’ willingness to pay for green buildings in Ghana. A questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of the professionals on the theme under investigation. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to obtain 153 responses from BE professionals such as architects, quantity surveyors, construction managers, and project managers in Kumasi and Accra. Both descriptive (mean, standard deviation, and standard error) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-test) were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that perceived benefit stood out as the topmost factor that BE professionals consider in their willingness to pay for green buildings. This paper could serve as an eye-opener to aid in the development of strategies and influencing mechanisms to stimulate the interest of various groups of BE professionals in delivering a more environmentally friendly construction system. This study contributes to the state-of-the-art studies regarding willingness to pay for GBs. The global literature is largely focused on the willingness of household consumers/clients to pay for GBs to the detriment of the BE professionals, who play key role in GB developments, and encourage their adoption. The novelty of this study stems from the fact that it is the first time the views of BE professionals are examined when it comes to their willingness to pay for green buildings.

Purpose: Although many health and safety (H&S) studies have widely examined safety risk perception in the construction industry, few studies have explored how this perception influences site workers' risk-taking behaviours during construction. This study aims to examine how construction site workers perceive and judge safety risks in risk-taking behaviours of site workers for intervention safety policy framework that may encourage safe work.Design/methodology/approach: The study employed Pictorial-based Q-Methodology, which documented 63 picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours from building sites and submitted them for validation from H&S inspectors. In total, 33 pictures emerged as having great potential to cause harm. After using these 33 pictures to elicit data from randomised site workers, the study used Frequency Tabulation, Relative Importance Index (RII) and Kruskal–Wallis Test to analyse the collected data. To fully explain the analysed data for deeper understanding, the study conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with these site workers to share the thoughts of site workers on these pictures.Findings: Two distinctive pictures emerged from these analyses: one showing risk-taking behaviour likely to contract internal and skin disease and the other likely to fall from height. One of the implications is that construction site workers are unfamiliar with the dangerous contaminants in the materials the site workers use to work, which can potentially harm the site workers' skin and internal organs. Hence, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours. The other is that site workers are aware of and can mention catastrophic physical injuries attached to site workers' jobs. However, site workers continue engaging in risk-taking behaviours because of site workers' safety plights and rely on the favour and mercies of a supreme being as coping strategies to escape from these physical injuries.Originality/value: This study is original in that the study uses picture scenarios of risk-taking behaviours to amass an empirical-based understanding of how site workers perceive and respond to H&S risks during construction. This piece of evidence is missing in the numerous research studies in this area. Again, the findings contribute to the state-of-the-art literature regarding risk-taking behaviours on construction sites.

The deficiency in competencies among built environment professionals (BEPs) in achieving sustainability goals presents a significant challenge, contributing substantially to the escalation of carbon emissions globally, with pronounced implications in Ghana. Addressing this issue is critical to bridging the existing knowledge gap concerning the role of key professional competencies in mitigating carbon emissions. This study, therefore, seeks to examine and synthesize the essential competencies required by BEPs to support the attainment of net-zero carbon emissions within the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire survey to examine the opinions of 125 professionals, including architects, engineers, and construction managers. The questions were developed based on a review of the related literature. The data collected was analyzed using one-sample t-tests, multiple linear regression, and ANOVA to assess the significance and impact of the identified competencies on sustainability outcomes. The key competencies identified included “value engineering”, “stakeholder engagement for low-carbon development”, “circular impact assessment”, and “reverse logistics for sustainable material use”. This research also revealed the key competencies’ contributions to attaining environmental sustainability in the Ghanaian construction industry. Some key outcomes are “proper planning and provision of detailed net-zero carbon building specifications for contractors” and “promotion and implementation of net-zero carbon buildings”. It was identified that actions towards net-zero carbon emissions are the leading contributor to environmental sustainability, whereas the essential competencies have a greater impact on sustainable resource use. The findings highlight gaps in the current practices and underscore the need for improved professional training and development to meet sustainability goals. This study concludes that while professionals in the GCI are aware of sustainability objectives, significant improvements are needed in the application of sustainable practices.

Purpose: Although most developed countries are progressively responding to the call for improved building maintenance by employing digital technologies, the progress in developing countries remains very low, with a persistent reliance on traditional maintenance practices. Understanding the importance attributed to these technologies is key to promoting innovative and sustainable building maintenance. This study examines the views of facilities managers (FM) on digital innovation tools essential in building maintenance. Design/methodology/approach: Using a structured questionnaire survey that was developed upon a review of relevant literature, the views of 82 FM were elicited regarding the theme under investigation. Data retrieved were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and frequencies) and inferential statistics (one-sample t-test and one-way ANOVA). Findings: The findings reveal a low-to-moderate level of awareness among FM regarding the digital innovation tools. Despite this, the FM recognize the significant role these tools play in building maintenance. The findings further revealed that the FM surveyed consider Internet of Things, predictive maintenance tools, condition monitoring tools, computerized maintenance management systems and augmented reality tools as the most significant digital innovation tools essential for building maintenance. The study underscores the importance of creating more awareness, primarily through research and academic institutions in the built environment. Originality/value: This study offers new insights into an under-explored topic in developing countries. With the study uniquely highlighting specific areas where facility managers fall short, strategic decisions such as courses to be embedded in facility management education could be implemented.

Purpose: The construction industry in Ghana is integral to national development. However, the industry faces significant challenges regarding compliance with plumbing standards. This noncompliance undermines safety, sustainability and operational efficiency, resulting in public health and environmental risks. The study applies institutional and compliance theories to investigate factors influencing adherence to plumbing standards within Ghana’s construction sector, aiming to enhance safety, sustainability and operational efficiency in the industry. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a quantitative research design, the study surveyed 302 participants, comprising project managers, site supervisors, plumbers, contractors, compliance officers and technical assistants. It also employed descriptive statistics, regression analysis and correlation techniques to assess compliance rates, institutional alignments and the effectiveness of the training programme. Findings: The results revealed substantial adherence to plumbing standards related to safety and water efficiency. Notably, substantive compliance significantly enhances operational efficiency compared to formal compliance. The results identify three key institutional pressures influencing compliance: coercive pressure, which encompasses regulatory influence; mimetic pressure, characterised by adopting best practices from leading construction firms and normative pressure, influenced by professional ethics and training. While local training initiatives demonstrate effectiveness, they require regular updates to keep pace with innovations in the plumbing sector and sustainability objectives. Research limitations/implications: A key limitation of this study is its exclusive focus on formally registered professionals in Ghana’s construction sector. By excluding unlicensed or informal practitioners, who constitute a significant portion of plumbing service providers, the finding may not fully capture the broader landscape of compliance behaviour. This limits the generalizability of the results, particularly in rural areas or low-regulation contexts where informal practices prevail. Future research should incorporate the informal sector to provide a more comprehensive understanding of compliance dynamics and to inform the development of inclusive policy and regulatory interventions. Practical implications: The study advocates increased funding for enforcement, streamlined administrative procedures and enhanced access to high-quality resources. Enhancing training programmes that focus on experiential learning and collaborating with regulatory agencies present viable strategies for improving compliance. Social implications: This study offers practical insights for improving compliance with plumbing standards in Ghana’s construction industry. Enhancing training effectiveness, enforcing predictable regulatory sanctions and supporting domestic production of certified materials are essential. The study advocates performance-based training, regular inspections and targeted enforcement in underserved areas. Beyond technical reforms, stronger compliance improves public health, environmental safety and access to clean water, especially in public institutions. These outcomes align with Sustainable Development Goal 6 and reinforce public trust in infrastructure. Ultimately, plumbing compliance is a social responsibility with implications for equity, urban sustainability and national development. Originality/value: This study presents a unique application of compliance and institutional theories in the Ghanaian construction sector, offering valuable insights both theoretical and practical. It underscores the importance of integrating industry norms, training programmes and regulatory frameworks to achieve improved outcomes in public safety, health and a sustainable environment. These insights are relevant not only for Ghana but also for similar developing contexts.

The shift from traditional site-based work to remote and hybrid models in Ghana’s construction industry has compelled firms to adopt digital tools and alternative work arrangements. Among construction professionals, the study examines the strategies to facilitate this transition, the technological platforms adopted, and the challenges encountered. It employed a descriptive survey design within the positivist paradigm, collecting quantitative data from 391 industry professionals by way of a structured questionnaire distributed through Google Forms. The collected data were processed using SPSS version 16, and Pearson’s correlation and linear regression were used to analyse them. Although management made moderate structural efforts, such as defining remote eligibility roles, the cultural integration of remote work remained underdeveloped. Technological readiness was the strongest strategic area, with the widespread use of tools such as Zoom, Google Drive, and Microsoft 365; however, the adoption of industry-specific software remained minimal. Challenges such as ineffective communication, poor monitoring, and digital skill deficits hindered the implementation of remote work. The study found a significant correlation between remote work and employee well-being. Despite infrastructural and cultural limitations, remote work yielded positive outcomes for employee autonomy and wellness. The study recommends that Ghanaian construction firms invest in resilient digital infrastructure and structured remote work policies.