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

Daniel Uchenna Chukwu,Hyginus O Omeje,Ifeanyi B Ohanu,Edmund A Anaele

doi:10.1051/sbuild/2019004

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.

Highlights

The continuous increase in the world’s population has brought the consciousness of not draining the earth’s abundant resources in order to meet the future needs
The high percentage of dust, noise, solid waste, smoke and wastewater produced by the construction industry affect humans [3] causing Sick Building Syndromes (SBS), Building Related Illnesses (BRI) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) from finishes with Volatile Organic Components (VOC) liable for chemical off-gassing [4]
Questionnaire was used as a recognized survey research instrument that sought opinions [43] of building industry workers, lecturers and teachers on the capacity building needs towards adopting sustainable constructions

Summary

Introduction

The continuous increase in the world’s population has brought the consciousness of not draining the earth’s abundant resources in order to meet the future needs. Growth in population causes resultant increase in housing and energy demands, leading to further degradation and depletion of the earth’s resources [1]. Mitigating environmental degradation of the building construction industry, reduction in resource consumption through recycling and reusing of materials are vital as the construction industry is responsible for 40% of all wastes produced [2]. Without attention to energy saving, land saving, storm water runoff-reduction, material conservation and pollution reduction [7], conventional buildings oppose green building (GB) constructions [1]. According to EPA cited in Qian et al [1] green or sustainable building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance and demolition.

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion