Sustainable construction has become a global priority to combat climate change. The construction industry has a huge impact on the environment and resources. In Burundi, a developing country facing socio-political and infrastructural challenges, many projects are carried out without proper structural analysis. This can lead to resource waste, ecological damage, and less safe buildings. A study surveyed 258 professionals in three major cities, revealing that the main causes of this practice are financial constraints, poor-quality materials, lack of qualified personnel, and poor enforcement of regulations. To improve the situation, it is crucial to enhance rules, training, and professional responsibility. Only then can we ensure safer and more sustainable buildings for everyone.
The study used advanced statistical methods such as Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to ensure data reliability. The Relative Importance Index (RII) helped identify the most critical factors affecting project sustainability. Among these, the lack of qualified personnel and poor enforcement of regulations emerged as the most serious problems. Additionally, the use of poor-quality materials and financial constraints significantly impact construction quality. To address these challenges, it is essential to invest in professional training and regulatory strengthening. Only then can we ensure that construction projects are not only economically advantageous but also ecologically sustainable and socially responsible.
