Net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of the construction industry. However, this concept in Ghana is still in the infancy stage, and the level of embracement in the construction industry is uncertain which further poses challenges to its adoption. This can be attributed to the lack of awareness of NZEB among construction professionals. Hence, understanding the awareness among construction professionals is essential for promoting sustainable building practices and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Therefore, this study investigates the level of awareness of NZEBs among construction professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). The study adopted a quantitative research method where questionnaire survey was used to obtain data from sixty-six (66) construction professionals in the GCI through snowball sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using frequencies, mean scores, one-sample t-test and cross-tabulation. The study revealed that thirty (30) construction professionals out of the sixty-six (66) had a moderate level of awareness of NZEBs, and 14 professionals had a low level of awareness. Thirteen had a high level of awareness. Three of the profesionals were extremely unaware, while six had a very high level of awareness. The study’s findings highlight the need to create awareness of NZEBs and their practices among construction professionals and employees in Ghana. NZEB is an under-explored area in the Ghanaian context and therefore, this study uniquely highlights the nascent awareness of NZEBs among Ghanaian construction professionals, unlike previous studies in more developed contexts. It underscores the critical need for targeted awareness programs essential for reducing the carbon footprint and advancing the adoption of NZEBs in the GCI.

Despite the current attention on net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and the renewable energy potential of developing economies, their potential in developing economies remains underutilized. This untapped opportunity is largely attributed to a lack of knowledge regarding effective NZEB implementation strategies. Therefore, this study investigates the strategies for the implementation of NZEBs in a developing economy. The study used a mixed-methods approach, conducting a quantitative survey among 120 construction professionals and semi-structured interviews with 10 NZEB experts to develop a conceptual framework for NZEBs implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). The quantitative data collected were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, one-sample t-test and normalisation value (NV) test. The qualitative results were thematically analysed and compared with the quantitative findings to validate and enrich the interpretation through detailed insights from interviewees. The findings highlighted seven key strategies critical to NZEB implementation in the GCI: creation of NZEB awareness among design professionals and contractors; academic institutions’ intervention; government promotion of NZEB awareness; specialist training in renewable energy technologies; educating building owners about energy-saving benefits; ensuring adequate experts for NZEB quality assurance and publicizing the health benefits of NZEBs. The findings of this study shed light on a relatively under-reported area within the built environment of a developing country, particularly Ghana. This offers insights and contributes new and supplementary knowledge on strategies for implementing NZEBs.

Matters relating to preservation of environmental resources and climate change, social inclusion and diversity, and open and sound governance have rapidly gained global attention. However, little is known about the construction industry in meeting the environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria towards sustainable development. In this study, the purpose is to identify the key ESG indicators for construction development. A systematic literature review was undertaken using data from Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, and Web of Science. The results show some of the key ESG indicators as climate resilience and green construction activities (at the project level), and active stakeholder engagement and effective project governance (at the firm level) and meeting environmental and social regulation requirements (industry/national level). The limitation of the article is in the sample size of twenty-six journal articles with future expectation of increment as ESG gain more acceptance in the construction industry. This study will be significant for the design of practice framework and policies on ESG in the construction industry. Comprehensively, this study presents relevant ESG indicators for construction management and presents essential information for future research.

Purpose: Safety simulation training (SST) methods provide an interactive and dynamic learning environment for construction workers. Nonetheless, knowledge of the critical role of SST in developing resilient hazard recognition skills (RHRS) is not well documented. Thus, this study assessed and identified strategies that strengthen the critical role of safety simulation training methods in developing RHRS. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a purposive sampling technique and gathered data using a questionnaire survey from 138 construction workers in public and private construction firms within the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to examine the relationships among the study constructs and further developed the structural model. Findings: The study revealed that SST methods have a positive impact on workers’ hazard recognition skills. Moreover, strategies such as training workers in realistic safety scenarios (RSD), integrating immersive technology (ITI), incorporating multisensory experience (IME), designing interactive safety training modules (DIST) and scenario variability (SV) were identified as significant strategies to strengthen and enhance SST. The findings further indicate that workers with RHRS exhibit key traits such as adaptability, improved safety perception, proactive safety approaches, reinforcing vigilance and positive safety feedback. Practical implications: The findings provide guidance for construction firms to simulate workers' safety training, which ultimately helps workers to identify and respond to potential hazards effectively. Originality/value: This study develops a holistic SST-RHRS framework, extending prior VR/AR training research by integrating resilience into comprehensive hazard recognition skill development.