Risk Index Model for Minimizing Environmental Disputes in Construction

Abstract

Although the number of environment-related disputes is increasing, no risk management approach exists to minimize such disputes at construction sites. The purpose of this study was to develop an environmental risk index model for general contractors to minimize third-party environmental disputes at construction sites. The analytic hierarchy process is used to weigh and calculate an environmental risk index. A case study demonstrated how to apply this model for risk evaluation, on-site monitoring, and environmental management, whereas a comparative analysis revealed that the model decreased the number of disputes to some degree at sites where it was used. This model makes it possible to minimize environmental disputes in the field effectively.