Identification of factors influencing the pricing of sustainable construction materials in developing countries: views of Ghanaian quantity surveyors

The marketing of sustainable construction materials have gained much popularity worldwide in recent times due to its environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. Nevertheless, in developing countries, the concept is still evolving and as such the pricing of sustainable construction materials remained a challenging area for practitioners. Hence, this study was initiated with the aim of identifying factors influencing the pricing of sustainable construction materials based on the perspective of quantity surveyors. Through a mixed research method, an in-depth literature review and an interview were conducted leading to the development of questionnaire which was administered to professional quantity surveyors. Data generated from the field survey was subjected to Ranking analysis. The major factors influencing the pricing of sustainable construction materials are whole life value for economic factors, non-toxic/less toxic material for environmental factors as well as health and safety measures for social factor. The findings provide a valuable reference and insight to professionals in the construction industry especially, quantity surveyors in the deepening of their understanding of the major factors that influence the pricing of sustainable construction materials. This study expands the body of knowledge about the influences economic, environmental and social factors have on the pricing of sustainable construction materials.