Sustainable construction: Public involvement in monitoring EMP implementation

Nurol Huda Dahalan, Rahimi A. Rahman, Saffuan Wan Ahmad
Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Gambang 26300, Malaysia

Overview of EMP implementation

The importance of Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) in promoting sustainable construction practices cannot be overstated. These plans are crucial in minimising the environmental impact of construction activities and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. In Malaysia, the construction sector has been facing the varying impacts of residential building construction on the ecosystem, natural resources, and the public, accounting for 67.5%, 21%, and 11.5%, respectively. Given the prevalence of construction projects in densely populated areas, residents living near these sites are particularly vulnerable to potential adverse effects, especially from earthwork and excavation activities.

Figure 1: Public involvement in monitoring EMP implementation.

The construction sector has allocated significant financial resources to address these environmental challenges. The allocation of funds highlights the industry's commitment to addressing environmental concerns and implementing effective EMPs. Most of the expenditure is dedicated to 'pollution management' (61%) and 'waste management' (31.4%), underscoring the sector's emphasis on tackling these pressing issues head-on. Additionally, some expenditure is directed towards 'environmental assessment and charges' (6.8%), demonstrating the commitment to diligent monitoring and compliance. Although contributions towards 'protection of wildlife & habitat' and 'other environmental protection expenditure' are relatively small, they still reflect ongoing efforts to address crucial environmental concerns.

Figure 2: Type of environmental protection expenditure by sector (2021).

Nevertheless, despite recognising the significance of EMPs, implementing these plans in Malaysia has challenges. The country's rapid economic growth and urbanisation have spurred increased construction activities, resulting in amplified potential environmental impacts. While EMPs provide a valuable framework for mitigating these impacts, obstacles to efficient implementation must be carefully examined and resolved. To overcome the challenges, it is crucial to prioritise EMP implementation and actively monitor its progress. This approach will not only help mitigate environmental impact significantly and contribute to the overall well-being and sustainability of the nation's construction sector.

Challenges in monitoring EMP implementation

·       People-Related Issues:

One of the significant challenges lies in the need for knowledge and understanding of EMP objectives among certain industry players. While sustainable practices are gaining traction, some stakeholders must be more informed about their importance. Bridging this knowledge gap becomes imperative to encourage the widespread adoption of EMPs. Moreover, a limited culture of environmental awareness and responsibility can hamper progress. When stakeholders are fully attuned to the significance of environmental preservation, it becomes easier to prioritise and commit to sustainable practices. Therefore, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsibility within the construction industry is essential. 

Furthermore, financial constraints, time limitations, and workforce shortages also contribute to the obstacles faced in EMP implementation. When resources are limited, investing adequately in sustainable practices and environmental management can take time and effort. Finding solutions to address these resource limitations becomes crucial for long-term success. Another critical challenge is a cultural barrier, where some believe traditional methods are more effective than sustainable practices within EMP. Overcoming this mindset is essential for promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices. Effective communication and education about the benefits and efficacy of sustainable methods can help break down this barrier.

·       Project-Related Issues:

On the project-related front, construction projects face complex and dynamic environments that pose significant challenges to EMP implementation. The nature of construction work, with its ever-changing circumstances, demands adaptability and responsiveness in monitoring environmental impacts. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach and agile strategies. Additionally, unforeseen occurrences such as natural disasters or accidents can further complicate minimising environmental impacts at construction sites. Developing contingency plans and disaster management protocols becomes crucial to handling these situations effectively. 

Moreover, inadequate coordination among industry players can lead to disorganised EMP management. Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between all stakeholders involved in the construction process is vital to maintaining an efficient and effective EMP framework. Changes in procedures and regulations add another layer of complexity to EMP implementation. Construction projects must adapt as regulations evolve to remain compliant and environmentally responsible. Staying current with changing regulations and integrating them into EMPs can be challenging yet necessary. Additionally, the absence of a clear and consistent enforcement mechanism for environmental regulations exacerbates the challenges. Effective enforcement ensures that all construction projects adhere to environmental guidelines and standards. Establishing strong enforcement measures can help create a level playing field and ensure that all projects are accountable for their environmental impacts.

·       Technology-Related Issues:

Technology plays a crucial role in advancing the implementation of EMPs, and real-time monitoring stands out as a valuable tool. It empowers quick decision-making and timely interventions to address potential environmental issues. Nevertheless, developing and maintaining user-friendly digital platforms for real-time monitoring can pose resource-intensive challenges. Moreover, in certain areas, inadequate digital infrastructure hampers effective EMP monitoring, particularly in remote or rural locations where stable internet connectivity and advanced technological tools are limited. Integrating data from various sources and stakeholders involved in EMP monitoring adds complexity, necessitating seamless data exchange between systems and platforms to ensure accurate and comprehensive monitoring.

Additionally, managing and analysing the substantial data collected during monitoring processes can become overwhelming without robust data management systems. Implementing technology-enabled monitoring solutions entails high costs, including initial setup, maintenance, and training. The affordability factor can become a barrier, especially for smaller construction projects or organisations with limited financial resources. The quest for cost-effective technology solutions without compromising monitoring quality and accuracy becomes a key challenge.

Figure 3: Challenges in EMP implementation

Opportunities to improve monitoring of EMP implementation

·       Empowering Communities:

To fully embrace this opportunity, engaging local communities through informative sessions and community outreach programs is essential. These initiatives can give them comprehensive insights into EMPs, their significance, and their positive impact on their immediate surroundings. By actively involving the public, we can create a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for environmental preservation, instilling a deep commitment to sustainable practices.  Drawing lessons from successful experiences in other regions, such as Quebec, Canada, where public participation in evaluating environmental assessments has yielded positive results, can guide us in shaping effective public involvement initiatives in Malaysia. Adopting similar models and empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes actively can enhance EMP implementation and foster a collective commitment to environmental preservation. Through this united effort, we pave the path towards our nation's greener and more sustainable future.

·       Collaboration and Partnerships:

Another avenue for seizing this opportunity lies in forging strong partnerships between construction companies, government agencies, and community organisations. By coming together in a collaborative spirit, these stakeholders can jointly address environmental challenges posed by construction projects. Such partnerships provide a platform for open dialogue, where diverse perspectives can be shared and collective decisions made. The synergy achieved through collaboration extends beyond shared responsibility. It opens doors to invaluable knowledge exchange, where construction companies can learn from the expertise of environmental organisations, and government agencies can better understand the local community's needs. Through this collective effort, the monitoring and implementation of EMPs can be significantly strengthened, leading to more efficient and sustainable construction practices.

·       Education and Awareness Campaigns:

Promoting awareness regarding sustainable construction practices and EMPs cannot be emphasised enough. Educational campaigns are pivotal in enlightening the public and industry stakeholders about the importance of environmentally responsible construction. The knowledge garnered from these campaigns catalyses positive change, encouraging a shift towards greener choices. While the challenges in EMP implementation may seem daunting, they also present an opportunity for innovation and improvement. Further research in this domain can provide valuable insights into addressing construction's environmental impact and refining current policies, workflows, and procedures. By embracing these opportunities, we can enhance the efficacy of EMPs, ensuring that they align with evolving environmental demands.

Figure 4: Benefit of public involvement in EMP

Moving Forward: Public Involvement for Advancing EMP Implementation

            In conclusion, embracing the potential of public involvement is the key factor in advancing the implementation of EMPs in sustainable construction. While monitoring the environmental impact of construction projects is crucial, relying solely on environmental practitioners has limitations regarding workforce and responsible behaviour. Hence, exploring alternative approaches, such as involving the public, is imperative to strengthen EMP monitoring efforts.

            Public participation is gaining recognition among policymakers and the public globally, and engaging citizens in monitoring EMP implementation ensures effective execution and mitigation of environmental impacts. This fosters transparency, accountability, and trust between the public and the construction industry.

            By actively involving the public, numerous benefits arise. Residents living near construction sites become vigilant environmental guardians, detecting problems early and preventing costly remediation measures. Additionally, their valuable input in decision-making tailors EMPs to community needs, fostering credibility and acceptance of government decisions. Public involvement promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, spurring behavioural changes towards a greener future. By collaborating with construction companies, government agencies, and communities, we ignite innovation, propelling the journey towards more efficient and effective sustainable construction practices.

            To fully unlock the potential of public involvement, fostering awareness and education, ensuring accessibility to information, and providing support are essential. Embracing public engagement empowers us to shape a more sustainable world where collective responsibility nurtures our environment for future generations.

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