Adopting green building constructions in developing countries through capacity building strategy: survey of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Green building (GB) constructions seeks to address housing demands of the growing populace with better qualities, energy efficiency, using recycled and recyclable materials, improve building lifespan and health of occupants. But GB adoption lags in developing countries. This study focused on driving the adoption of GB constructions in developing countries through capacity building strategy: survey of Enugu State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 135 building workers in educational and industrial sectors across the registered construction companies and higher institutions in Enugu State. Mean and rank were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was used to test five null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that there is need for capacity building in: GB design, GB site, GB construction, GB operation and maintenance, and GB construction and demolition waste management. Cluster t-test analysis showed discrepancies in the agreement of educational and industrial sector workers on GB design and GB construction needs. The implications for not adopting GB are continual conventional constructions with maximal exploitations and resource depletion. Thus, there is a gap in knowledge where sustainable development advocates, government and pioneers of green construction practices could channel efforts toward assisting the developing countries.

Lecturers’ Perception of Green Building Technology: Implications to Sustainable Construction and Environmental Education in Anambra State, Nigeria

“…Owing to the high percentage of participants who have neither published (76.6%), nor are currently working on any research related to GBT (68.8%), the place of more orientation on GBT as inferred by 92.2% of the participants, as well as capacity building on GBT cannot be overemphasized as indicated by 89.1% of the lecturers. The importance of capacity building in achieving the adoption of GBT is in line with the findings of Chukwu et al (2019), who advocated that nations who are well advanced in sustainable construction come to the aid of the developing nations. This gesture will satisfy the quest of 89.1% of the participants who perceived GBT to be relevant and interesting, and equally provide avenue to ensure that greater percentage of lecturers (82.8%) are trained in GBT integration for sustainable constructions and improved environment.…”

“…Reversing the impact of the construction industry on the environment is vital in curbing the emission of green house gases, over exploitation of natural resources, global warming, and climate change effects. And driving sustainable construction and environmental education has been found plausible through the instrumentation of training, capacity building, and research and development (Darko and Chan, 2018;Chukwu et al, 2019). But at the helm of training are the higher institutions -where teachers, engineers, environmental specialists etc.…”

“…Engaging sustainable construction principles produces Green Building (GB). GB in its design, site, construction, operation, maintenance and deconstruction seeks climate change redress, environmental enhancement, waste reduction, energy efficiency, renewable sources integration, improved occupants' health and performance (Chukwu et al, 2019;Kibert, 2013). However, Green Building Technology (GBT) is vital in actualizing GB (Darko and Chan, 2018).…”

Sustainable Management Practice (SMP) of Green Features in Office Property in Lagos, Nigeria

“…From the investor's point of view, Berawi et al (2019) noted limited experience and rewards as major barriers to the building owner. However, Chukwu et al (2019) stressed the need for capacity building if the country is to compete and gain global relevance in striving for sustainability agenda in the construction industry among nations.…”

Construction Waste Reduction Awareness: Action Research

“…Furthermore, the issue of construction waste cannot be jettisoned in Nigeria and its environs as it increases with the increasing population causing tremendous demand in the construction industry (Katz & Baum, 2011). There is an obvious increase in the population of Nigeria, leading to more rural-urban migration, increased housing development and city decongestion strategies across states (Chukwu, Anaele, Omeje, & Ohanu, 2019). Decreasing construction waste generation cannot equally be left to chance; hence, Begum et al (2009) and Siew (2019) observed an unseen stoppage in offshoot of development in commercial buildings, infrastructure and other housing projects.…”