ASSESSMENT

The construction industry, while contributing to the overall socio-economic development in a country, is a major exploiter of natural non-renewable resources and a polluter of the environment. It contributes to the environmental crisis through resource depletion, energy consumption, air pollution and generation of waste.

Previous research studies suggest that many environmental problems are construction-related. For example, about 40% of the waste put into landfill in Australia each year is attributed to the construction industry.

Throughout the world, many believe that the economy must continually grow at a rapid rate. This has inherent problems for the environment; increased consumption and waste are unavoidable. The per capita consumption rate of energy, water and materials continues to rise, and such pattern of resource consumption and waste generation may not be sustainable into the future.

In view of the above, and coupled with increased budget demands and higher user's expectation, it is not surprising to see that legislation in Australia is being tailored towards promoting sustainable development. However, what is the current situation in developing countries?

Do indigenous local practices in developing countries promote sustainability? This definitely is not as simple as Yes or No answer. May be we need to put this question in a different light; do local practices in developing countries meet the definition of sustainability (and therefore promote the sustainability concept) considering economic, environmental, social and other aspects of sustainability?