Sustainable or Green Construction in Lagos, Nigeria: Principles, Attributes and Framework

Abstract

<p>The concept of sustainable development is used as a basis for enhancing understanding of sustainable construction. Principles of sustainable construction cover four attributes: social, economic, biophysical and technical. The research examined these concepts, principles and attributes in understanding sustainable and green construction as well as current practices and challenges of sustainable construction in Lagos, Nigeria. The research embraced both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The sample frame is the total number of built industry registered and practising professionals in Lagos. A total number of 85 respondents were randomly selected for study from each group. A 5-point likert scale was used to assess respondents’ judgement on the identified social, economic, bio-physical and technical indicators. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted with all the above professional groups to corroborate the primary information. For a wider coverage, three different construction sites are selected to reflect income neighbourhoods-Lekki (high income), Yaba (medium income) and Bariga (low income). Data Collected were analysed using the mean item score. A multi- stage framework which required the application of environmental assessment and environment management systems for construction projects was utilised. Research findings indicate that the most important factors considered for sustainable construction with their mean item scores are quality of working conditions (0.852) strengthening and enforcement of relevant law and regulations(0.872), encouraging construction waste management(0.819) and design for flexibility and adaptability. Results from the FGDs indicate that the current practice on sustainable construction does not take into consideration integrated design process, acoustic and visual comfort in the planning and construction of sustainable projects. The research therefore concludes that government should improve existing laws to enhance quality of working life, education, training as well as knowledge management for all stakeholders in sustainable construction.</p

Motivating Project Owners to Increase Their Commitment towards Improving the Delivery Performance of Green Building Projects

“…The social dimension concerns the quality of human life through the securing of basic needs such as shelter, and by ensuring comfort, identify and choice (Nwokoro & Onukwube, 2011a). The economic dimension emphasises increasing profitability or limiting investment and operation costs by making appropriate selection and more efficient use of resources, including labour, materials, water and energy (Hussin, et al, 2013;Soegiarso, 2007).…”

“…Practical realities include the threats of collapsing fisheries, diminishing forest cover and depletion of fresh water systems and natural resources (Waniko, 2012). Especially in the construction industry, an enormous quantity of resources are used during building construction, renovation and operation (Nwokoro & Onukwube, 2011a;, accounting for one-sixth of the world's freshwater withdrawals, one-quarter of its wood harvest and two-fifths of its material and energy flows (Hussin, et al, 2013).…”

“…The third variable is the improved quality of life associated with green building occupation (Nwokoro & Onukwube, 2011a) which serves as a psychological attraction (Kato, Too, & Rask, 2009) …”

“…During design and construction, green buildings use recycled materials, less water, less energy, and resource efficient techniques; incorporate water sensitive design and minimize vulnerability to flooding; minimize polluting emissions to water, air and soil and minimize noise and light pollution (Dator, 2010;Hussin, et al, 2013;Nwokoro & Onukwube, 2011a;Ojo, et al, 2014a), thereby minimising adverse impact on the environment (Hussin, et al, 2013). Consequently, this environmental-friendly construction process implicates socially and economically.…”

“…To a large extent, the construction industry has been responsible for this environmental degradation (Dahiru, Abdulazeez, & Abubakar, 2012;Dobson, et al, 2013;Hirokawa, 2009;Hussin, et al, 2013;Shi, 2010), especially given its high rate of energy consumption (Adegbile, 2012;Aminu, Kandar, & Ossen, 2010;Okwoli & Ude). Acknowledging that construction activity will always involve, to some extent, adverse environmental implications (Ojo, Mbowa, & Akinlabi), green building has been advocated and promoted as a guiding paradigm to development in the building sector (Dator, 2010;Dobson, et al, 2013;Nwokoro & Onukwube, 2011b). It is the construction sector's response to enacting sustainable development Circo, 2007;Dania, et al, 2013;.…”