Appraisal of students' perceptions on green building concepts in a technical university

Abstract

PurposeThe main goal of this study was to determine how students at Ho Technical University (HTU) viewed green construction approaches and the benefits green buildings may provide to Ghana's tertiary institutions to enhance quality of life.Design/methodology/approachThe institution's 350 participants were chosen using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, which was analysed using SPSS v.20 and presented in tables using descriptive statistics such as Likert scale analysis, weighted mean and relative importance index (RII).FindingsThe study revealed that awareness of the green building principle is comparatively low amongst the survey participants. Participants agree that the University's green building adoption is high. Students cited decreased utility expenses, improved occupant productivity and cheaper operational costs as important benefits of green construction. Students' thoughts on hurdles to implementing green construction ideas at the University were the enormous price tag of green building technology (RII = 0.89), ignorance of demonstration projects and ignorance of information on green building principles (RII = 0.81).Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers to study Ghanaian students' views on green buildings. This study adds to our understanding of students' thoughts on green building ideas. In addition, it sheds insight into their present awareness, which can help the university administration in Ghana design new paths for green building implementation.

Towards More Green Buildings in Tanzania: Knowledge of Stakeholders on Green Building Design Features, Triggers and Pathways for Uptake

“…Table 2 reveals that stakeholders who had learned about green practices from formal training, building regulations, or demonstration projects are significantly (p < 0.05) more aware of green building than those without these sources of awareness. Novieto et al [41] and Xie et al [39] support formal training and education for raising awareness of GB practices. The development of green building demonstration projects served as learning strategies, thereby increasing GB awareness [13,42].…”