Applicability of Ecological Footprint for Environmental Sustainability Evaluation in Sri Lankan Apparel Sector Built Environments

摘要

Ecological Footprint (EF), Carbon Footprint (CF) and Water Footprint (WF) are prominent amongst the environmental footprints, which are used to evaluate environmental sustainability. Although, the evaluation of CF and WF is evident, the application of EF for environmental sustainability evaluation remains unclear in Sri Lankan apparel sector. Therefore, this research investigates the applicability of EF to evaluate environmental sustainability in Sri Lankan apparel sector built environments. A critical review of literature were conducted to establish the relationship of EF with CF and WF in environmental sustainability evaluation. Subsequently, a qualitative research approach was followed under which, three apparel sector factories were investigated and in-depth interviews with experts were conducted to identify the nature of EF application in Sri Lanka. The gathered data were analysed using code based content analysis technique. Research findings revealed that although EF is not fully calculated, it is partially evaluated through quantification of CF and Grey WF. Difficulty of understanding the underlying assumptions of EF of water utilisation and EF of waste generation was identified as the main barrier. Providing training and awareness on the application of EF, raising awareness on calculating EF of water utilisation and EF of waste generation could be identified as key strategies to overcome the barriers.