Adapting Sustainability in Palestine; Barriers and Motivators in the Implementation of Green Architecture

Abstract: As a developing country under occupation, Palestine has limited resources but huge development needs. Whilst construction is a main driver for the economy, it is also the main source of pollution and the largest consumer of its natural resources. Palestine has no fossil fuel, and has to import petroleum products and electrical energy from Israel. This study aims to create better understanding and classification of barriers and motivators in the development of sustainable construction in Palestine, and links these to a need to implement green architecture.
The main data collection instrument is questionnaire survey, that received 43 replies from construction professionals in Palestine. The questionnaire design was founded on issues in the literature; data reliability was supported by interviewing five Palestinian experts in sustainable construction. Participants agreed that barriers listed in literature were applicable in the context of Palestine. Accordingly, financial, educational, cultural, political and technical constraints were ranked. It is recommended that efforts at all levels: environmental, educational, political and governmental should be combined. Industry stakeholders supported by authorities should formulate legislation, standards and codes to enhance sustainable construction practices, together with training courses, campaigns and workshops on green buildings. Authorities should introduce financial incentives for green buildings.