IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE LIFE CYCLE OF BUILDINGS IN ABUJA

ABSTRACT The implementation of electronic procurement systems in the construction industry has been identified as a key factor in promoting sustainable construction practices. The study therefore assessed the impact of electronic procurement systems on sustainable construction in the lifecycle of buildings in Abuja with the view to enhancing project delivery. The study adopted the quantitative research approach with the use of survey research design. Data were collected from 119purposive selected professionals of Federal Capital Development Authority, Abuja using structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was undertaken with the use of Relative importance Index (RII) and Spearman Rank (rho) correlation analysis. Findings from the study revealed that the most important benefits of electronic procurement systems for sustainable construction of buildings benefits of electronic procurement systems for sustainable construction of buildings were "Improve project execution by reducing delays and rework" (RII = 0.76) and "Automatically screen out suppliers or materials that don't match predetermined sustainability standards" (RII = 0.76). The most severe barriers to the implementation of electronic procurement systems on sustainable construction in the life cycle of buildings were "Security and privacy concerns" (RII = 0.76) and "Resistance to change and cultural barriers" (RII = 0.74). The most effective drivers for the implementation of electronic procurement systems on sustainable construction in life cycle of buildings were "Regulatory requirements and incentives (RII = 0.76) and "Collaboration and information sharing" (RII = 0.74). There exists a strong, positive and significant relationship between impacts of electronic procurement systems on sustainable construction of buildings in Abuja (r= 0.417 - 0.616; p = 0.000). The study concludes that the impacts of electronic procurement systems on sustainable construction of buildings in Abuja is significant can enhance the delivery of construction projects. It was recommended that construction firms should collaborate with all stakeholders to set up a mechanism that will be based on the drivers and benefits identified in this study such as "Improve project execution by reducing delays and rework", "Automatically screen out suppliers or materials that don't match predetermined sustainability standards", Regulatory requirements and incentives", "Life cycle assessment integration"; and "Collaboration and information sharing". This study has revealed that electronic procurement systems have significant impact on sustainable construction by improving projection execution, reducing delays and rework, and ensuring compliance with sustainable procurement policies.