It is thought that there is a low level of awareness of key competencies that drive material waste reduction at the construction stage of a project which has led to the low impact of waste minimization in the construction industry. This study, therefore, explores the key competencies for driving waste minimization at the construction stage of projects. Twenty-four (24) key factors that drive CW minimization at the construction stage of projects were derived from a thorough review of existing literature. The research adopted the quantitative approach whereby a questionnaire survey involving 53 construction professionals was conducted. Factor analysis was the statistical tool employed for the analysis of the data gathered. The findings of the study revealed four major competencies that drive CW minimization: Awareness Competency (AC), Managerial Competency (MC), Personnel Ability Competency (PAC), and Communication Competency (CC). The implementation of the key competencies from the findings of the study is highly recommended for the achievement of low waste in building projects. In view of this, it is recommended that government should enact legislative and fiscal measures to instill waste management habits in the construction industry. Several studies have investigated strategies or measures for CW minimization. However, this study focused on the knowledge and skills of construction stakeholders as the main component of waste minimization competencies.

The marketing of sustainable construction materials have gained much popularity worldwide in recent times due to its environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. Nevertheless, in developing countries, the concept is still evolving and as such the pricing of sustainable construction materials remained a challenging area for practitioners. Hence, this study was initiated with the aim of identifying factors influencing the pricing of sustainable construction materials based on the perspective of quantity surveyors. Through a mixed research method, an in-depth literature review and an interview were conducted leading to the development of questionnaire which was administered to professional quantity surveyors. Data generated from the field survey was subjected to Ranking analysis. The major factors influencing the pricing of sustainable construction materials are whole life value for economic factors, non-toxic/less toxic material for environmental factors as well as health and safety measures for social factor. The findings provide a valuable reference and insight to professionals in the construction industry especially, quantity surveyors in the deepening of their understanding of the major factors that influence the pricing of sustainable construction materials. This study expands the body of knowledge about the influences economic, environmental and social factors have on the pricing of sustainable construction materials.