Level of Knowledge of Design Professionals on the Principles of Social Sustainability in Ghana

Abstract

Since the mid 1980’s, Sustainable Development as a term has been made prominent and played a central role in discussions about environmental policies, academic studies and governmental initiatives. Overtime, Sustainable development has been seen to be primarily centered on society and its ability to integrate environmental consideration in driving societal change. While the concept of sustainable development (SD) generally refers to achieving a balance among the environmental, economic, and social pillars of sustainability, the meaning and associated objectives of the social pillar remain vague. Indeed, it has been described as the most conceptually elusive pillar in SD discourse. This paper forms a part of efforts to define contextually the principles of social sustainability as seen in the Ghanaian construction industry. It assesses the knowledge level of design professionals (Architects) on the principles of social sustainability. This study was carried out using 85 practicing Architects from all over the country and attempts to identify the degree to which these professionals understand and can identify with the principles of Sustainability.

Keywords: Social Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Community, Sustainable Construction

JEL Classification: R11, R14, R23