Urbanization and Environmental Impacts of Construction Activities in the Central Business District (CBD) of Accra

Abstract

The World Bank report on emissions and pollution in the world reveals that particulate concentration in Accra, as at 2024 was 36.4µg/m³/year. Incidentally, the previous studies failed to give grasps to sustainable construction techniques, a gap that the study seeks to bridge to obtain sustainability balance. The objectives focused in the study are 1). To assess the pollution level resulted from construction activities in the Business District of Accra, 2). To evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management strategies and practices in the construction Industry in Accra to promote sustainability, 3). To identify and recommend strategies for promoting environmental awareness and sustainability practices among construction stakeholders (contractors, developers, and policymakers) in Accra. The use of qualitative approach to help the collection of data from secondary sourced. The study established that: Pollution level in Accra metropolis is high as a result of lack of environmental practices, strategic direction and policy guidelines to promote environmental quality in the construction industry, and integration of sustainable construction techniques during pre-design, design and construction stages promote environmental friendliness. Based on the lessons from the literature review and the findings of the study, policy makers are to formulate policies with enforcement mechanism to help addressed the environmental degradation problem in the CBD of Accra.