Opinions of small and medium UK construction companies on environmental management systems

Pressure to reduce the environmental impact of construction activities has increased, such that a paradigm shift is required. This paper presents stakeholder opinions management systems as means for industry respond these issues. Using previous approach, views small and medium companies were sought, using questionnaires ask respondents reveal their perceived benefits barriers implementing ISO 14000 suite standards in UK. Detailed statistical analysis showed can sometimes produce quantifiable organisations terms cost reduction. However, from contractor’s view, greatest benefit was reduction outweighing financial benefits. Findings also demonstrated numerous an organisation exist, both internal external, regarding adoption use systems. The most critical barrier savings do not always balance with expense implementation. Furthermore, waste minimisation at design stage viewed important. In general, gauged this study indicated short-term profits are normally considered more imperative than long-term gains. Therefore, despite need focus on developing strategies removing or reducing challenges systems, reality they may be panacea sustainable development, often touted.