An Investigation of Innovative Materials and Technologies for Sustainable Construction in Nigeria

This study investigates the current state of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions within the construction industry. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through survey questionnaires distributed to construction professionals, including engineers, architects, and project managers. With a strong response rate of 95.6%, the data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) within the LISREL framework. The findings reveal that sustainable practices are inconsistently applied across the industry, with environmental sustainability showing the weakest emphasis. Social and economic sustainability practices also display varied levels of implementation, reflecting significant challenges in fully integrating sustainability into construction projects. The analysis points to inconsistencies and gaps, evidenced by moderate to weak associations between observed practices and their sustainability goals. To address these challenges, the study recommends that policymakers and industry leaders implement comprehensive strategies, including robust regulatory frameworks, targeted capacity-building programs, and incentives to encourage sustainable practices. Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and increased investment in research and development are essential for fostering innovation and improving sustainability outcomes. Future research should include longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these practices over time, as well as comparative studies across different regions to identify contextual factors influencing sustainability. Additionally, qualitative research methods such as interviews and focus groups are suggested to gain deeper insights into the socio-cultural factors shaping sustainability in Nigeria's construction sector. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers and opportunities for advancing sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

This study investigates the determinants of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on the roles of regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, organizational readiness, and awareness and knowledge among stakeholders. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 255 experts in the construction sector, consisting of architects, project managers and engineers. The analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the direct and indirect effects of these factors on the sustainable construction practices adoption. The findings reveal that awareness and knowledge have the most significant impact, highlighting the critical need for education and information dissemination in advancing sustainability. Additionally, robust regulatory frameworks and financial incentives were identified as crucial enablers, facilitating the implementation of sustainable practices by setting standards and reducing financial barriers. Organizational readiness, encompassing leadership support and resource availability, also emerged as a key determinant, mediating the effects of policies and incentives. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach involving strong policies, financial support, and enhanced organizational capacity is essential for promoting sustainable construction in Nigeria. These findings are valuable guide to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators in their efforts to foster an environmentally sustainable construction sector.

This study develops a sustainability model to promote sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research investigates the interrelationships among several independent latent constructs—organizational culture, government policies, financial implications, stakeholder processes, and technology availability—and their effects on sustainability outcomes. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire from 248 respondents across ten selected construction companies in Nigeria, analyzed using the SIMPLEX Project in LISREL. The SEM highlights the significant influence of government policies (GPR) on sustainability outcomes, particularly regarding organizational culture (OC), availability of technology and expertise (ATE), financial implications (SI), and stakeholder processes (SP). This is evidenced by substantial path coefficients: GPR → OC (β = 0.45), GPR → ATE (β = 0.58), GPR → FI (β = 0.75), GPR → SP (β = 0.49), all p < 0.01. Additionally, organizational culture significantly impacts sustainability dimensions, with OC → ATE (β = 0.55), OC → SP (β = 0.63), and OC → FI (β = 0.76), all p < 0.01. Government policies exhibited the most considerable influence across three sustainability domains: environmental sustainability (ENS), social sustainability (SS), and economic sustainability (ES), as indicated by GPR → ENS (β = 0.87), GPR → SS (β = 0.68), and GPR → ES (β = 0.72), all p < 0.05. The derived mathematical model for Sustainable Construction Practices (SCP) is SCP = 0.01 + 0.5x + 0.3y + 0.2z, where x, y, and z represent environmental, social, and economic sustainability, respectively. The findings underscore the interconnected nature of these dimensions, offering vital recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster sustainable practices in Nigeria's construction sector.

The use of building information modeling (BIM) has provided a means of increasing total project quality, providing accurate quantity take-offs, and improving scheduling, consequently diminishing total project contingencies and costs. Although BIM is a recent development, a lot of research has been conducted in order to further enhance the capabilities of BIM in design and construction. However, there has been very little research done so far on the effect that BIM has on sustainable construction practices. Hence, the goal of this research is to investigate the perceptions of the use of BIM for sustainable design and construction among designers and constructors. A survey was developed and administered through the Internet to determine the existing trends of BIM application in general as well as its use as a tool in sustainable design and construction. The survey results indicated that although the majority of the respondents believed that sustainable design and construction practices were of impor...

PurposeSustainable construction practice is structured on regulatory and non-regulatory policies in developed and most developing countries. With the gradual uptake of sustainability concerns in the construction industry, this paper aims to identify the strategic need for clear-cut policies to improve sustainable construction practice. Previous studies have harped on the need for regulatory and industrial/organisational policies on improving sustainable construction practice within the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the perspectives of construction professionals on the policy barriers for sustainable construction practice in Nigeria, and 46 policy barriers were identified. A total of 249 questionnaires were returned and useable for analysis.FindingsFactor analysis revealed four clusters in the policy barriers to sustainable construction practice in the following order of significance: implementation strategies for sustainable construction practice, owners/client inputs for sustainable construction practice, stakeholder’s policy barriers and governmental and regulatory policy barriers.Practical implicationsMitigating the identified barriers through effective policies will require adequate inputs from all relevant policymaking stakeholders and ensure improved sustainable construction practice among stakeholders and policymakers in the industry. This will in turn set a high standard and promote the practice of sustainable construction.Originality/valueThis study goes a step further in identifying the policy issues needed to ensure a smooth implementation of sustainable construction practice. The research findings will serve as a guide for policymakers in developing countries that through mitigation of the identified barriers, sustainable construction practice will be promoted.

PurposeSustainable construction practices are strongly correlated with a profitable and competitive construction industry, improved client satisfaction and efficient use of resources. However, due consideration is not being given to sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to identify the unsustainable construction practices on construction sites, the barriers to sustainable construction and possible strategies to improve sustainable construction in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey of 50 construction sites was conducted with construction professionals on the sites as the specific target, out of which only 43 construction sites have at least a construction professional present at the site. Forty-three filled questionnaires from the respondents were used for descriptive (mean score, standard deviation and charts) and inferential analysis (t-test and Kruskal–Wallis) in this study.FindingsThe study shows that a large percentage (75%) of construction professionals in Nigeria are aware of sustainable construction. The descriptive and inferential analysis showed a disparity in the ranking of the 12 unsustainable practices, 14 barriers and 11 strategies among the respondents. Five unsustainable practices (“negative externalities”, “excess energy”, “unsustainable technologies”, “non-management of health and safety of workers” and “material waste”), six barriers to sustainable construction (“absence of historical data and exemplary projects on which construction professionals can build and learn from”, “lack of professional to handle the task”, “poverty and low urban investment”, “lack of urban and construction policy”, “lack of awareness” and “lack of technical know-how”) and three strategies to improve sustainable construction practices in Nigeria (“cooperation, partnership and participation”, “protection of biodiversity and conservation of natural resources” and “sustainability assessment system”) were found to be significant.Practical implicationsThe study offers significant insights into the construction industry unsustainable practices, barriers to sustainable construction, as well as strategies for improving sustainable construction practices. These insights can be applied to other developing countries with an emphasis on geographical differences.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the recent studies in Nigeria that explored the context of sustainable construction in the construction industry by providing insights into the unsustainable construction practices, barriers and strategies to improve sustainable construction in Nigeria.

Globally, there is a growing desire to deliver sustainable infrastructure projects. However, the implementation of sustainable construction in Nigeria is still in its early stages. It is believed that the successful adoption of sustainable construction in Nigeria depends, in part, on the understanding of sustainable construction among professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This study argues that the extent to which AEC professionals demonstrate a clear understanding of sustainable construction reflects their knowledge and provides a starting point for effective implementation in the future. By focusing on the current efforts of the Nigerian AEC industry to embrace sustainability, this study aims to identify key factors that exemplify the understanding of sustainable construction among professionals. A survey was conducted among 290 registered construction professionals in Abuja. The data was analysed using factor analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. The result from the analysis shows seven factors: awareness, political factors, passive culture, knowledge, demand, financial, and attitude. These factors characterise sustainable construction practices understanding among AEC professionals in Abuja. This serves as a foundation for future implementation of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria in line with the views of many sustainable construction researchers.

This literature review examines the progress, challenges, and opportunities in adopting sustainable construction practices in Nigeria over the past two decades. Significant advancements have been made, particularly in the use of energy-efficient materials and Building Information Modeling (BIM), which have improved project efficiency and sustainability. Policy frameworks have evolved to support these technological innovations, but widespread adoption of sustainable practices is still hindered by economic constraints, cultural resistance, and regulatory gaps. Economic challenges, especially the high costs of sustainable technologies, are major obstacles, worsened by limited financial incentives and economic instability. Cultural factors, such as a preference for traditional construction methods, and inconsistent enforcement of building codes further complicate efforts to promote sustainability. Despite these barriers, there is growing awareness of the need to integrate sustainability into the construction sector, driven by both global environmental concerns and local development needs. The review also highlights its limitations, including a reliance on published academic literature, which may not fully capture recent industry trends or local realities. Excluding grey literature and non-English publications may omit important regional perspectives. The review recommends future research on detailed economic analyses of sustainable technologies, exploring the integration of traditional and modern practices, and comparative studies with similar countries.

Emerging construction practices such as building information modelling (BIM), prefabrication construction, green building, and integrated project delivery methods are gaining momentum in China, with great potential due to the size of its construction market. Through this, the sustainability level of China’s construction industry is expected to be enhanced from the economic, social and environmental perspectives. So far, there has been limited understanding of how BIM, as a digital technology, would affect other contemporary sustainable construction practices from the industry professionals’ point of view. Limited studies have been carried out to study the regional differences of these contemporary sustainable practices in China. This study adopted a questionnaire-based approach targeting industry professionals from three different metropolitan cities (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Wenzhou).The follow-up comprehensive statistical analysis revealed that with regards to these contemporary sustainable construction practices, survey participants held much varied views on the growth of renovation projects, traditional Design–Bid–Build delivery, and conventional on-site construction methods. These three types were also generally perceived to have weak correlation with BIM application. Regional comparison further conveyed information on differences in perceptions among survey respondents from these three cities. For example, respondents from Wenzhou perceived more positive effects of BIM use in conventional construction projects. This research addressed the inter-correlation among these emerging sustainable construction practices, as well as the regional differences in China’s construction market. The findings provide insights and the big picture for both governmental authorities and industry practitioners on the latest sustainable practices of China’s construction industry. Recommendations are also offered towards improved economic, social and environmental sustainability performance for construction projects in the country.

PurposeAmidst all solutions posited to address sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, the implementation plans are repudiated by sustainable barriers. This study examines and confirms the strategy with the most significant impacts on the identified barrier to sustainable construction practice (SCP).Design/methodology/approachThe study deployed a questionnaire survey to evaluate the perspective of 100 construction actors on the barriers and strategies of sustainable construction practice in Nigeria. Factor Analysis was employed to categorize key barriers and strategies into their underlying clusters for further analysis. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to confirm the construct's significant relationship and magnitude, thereby establishing the strategies with the highest impacts on the barriers to sustainable construction practices.FindingsThe findings revealed three clusters of barriers and four groups of strategies to SCP, including technopolitic barrier, perception and awareness barrier and sociocultural barrier. For the significant strategies, education and training, stakeholder regulation, incentive support and government and legislative support strategies were established. Overall, education and training strategy was identified as the most dominant and effective strategy to mitigate the barriers of SCP in Nigeria.Originality/valueThe paper establishes education and training as the key strategy to achieving sustainable quest in the AEC industry. The practical implication is that policymakers, educators and professional bodies can harness sustainable knowledge transfer through education and training to improve sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation through high resource consumption and waste generation. This study assesses the level of knowledge and adaptability regarding sustainable construction practices (SCPs) among construction workforce in Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. A quantitative survey of 120 construction workers (including Architects, Engineers, and Labourers), two key dimensions were examined; the workforce's knowledge level of SCPs, and their level of adaptability to these practices. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21 and Excel, applying descriptive statistics such as Mean item score. Results revealed that 80% of respondents possessed high theoretical knowledge of SCPs, primarily acquired through workshops (mean=1.38) and educational programs (mean=1.50). Respondents showed strongest familiarity with climate change concepts (mean=1.51) and green building principles (mean=1.87). However, assessment of practical implementation demonstrated significant gaps in adaptability: 71% of professionals reported regularly generating construction waste, with material reuse (mean=2.17) being more common than recycling (mean=3.04). Major barriers to implementation included technological limitations (reported by 71.3% of respondents), financial constraints (56.7%), and insufficient policy support (mean score=1.98). The study concludes that while Nigerian construction professionals exhibit strong theoretical understanding of SCPs, their practical application remains constrained by systemic challenges. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing technological access, financial support mechanisms, and stronger policy frameworks to improve on-the-ground implementation of sustainable practices in Nigeria's construction sector and recommended Professional bodies and government agencies to organize workshops and seminars to enhance the knowledge on sustainable construction.

Sustainable construction practices are increasingly recognized worldwide for their importance in promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious development. In Nigeria, the construction industry is gradually adopting these practices despite facing significant challenges. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate existing literature on sustainable construction in Nigeria, identify current sustainability models and frameworks, assess the adoption and effectiveness of these practices within the industry, and identify key challenges in implementing sustainable construction. Using a systematic approach, the review analyzes peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and industry reports to provide comprehensive insights into sustainable construction practices and models in Nigeria. The findings reveal a growing awareness of sustainability within the Nigerian construction industry, paralleling global trends. However, the review highlights a critical need for context-specific sustainability models tailored to address Nigeria's unique challenges, such as resource scarcity, climate change impacts, and social inequalities. Case studies of successful sustainable construction projects in Nigeria demonstrate the potential of these practices to address these challenges effectively. Despite the increasing awareness, the actual adoption of sustainability practices remains limited, underscoring the need for enhanced policy support, industry practices, and educational initiatives. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of the construction industry in advancing Nigeria's sustainable development. The study recommends the creation and implementation of tailored sustainability models, stronger policy frameworks, and increased collaboration within the industry to promote sustainable practices. These steps are crucial for addressing social disparities, enhancing environmental resilience, and improving resource efficiency, ultimately fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria.

The implementation of sustainable practices within the built environment has taken over the world of construction. In as much as man continues to build, sustainable practices will continue to be a significant necessity. Like every significant change in the world, most countries have been faced with numerous challenges when adopting sustainable construction practices and Nigeria is not an exception. This study, therefore, investigates the factors impeding the adoption of sustainable construction in Nigeria. The aim of this study was achieved by seeking the opinion of various built environment professionals within Ondo State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for this study and the data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings from the study revealed that inadequate knowledge and lack of expertise in sustainable construction practices are the greatest constraints faced in the bid to adopt sustainable construction. The study concluded that if attaining full sustainability is the goal of the Nigerian construction industry, professional bodies and relevant government agencies must organize workshops and training to educate construction professionals on their practicable roles in delivering sustainable development. Furthermore, experts in the field of sustainable construction preferably from countries which have fully adopted the concept should be invited to be part of some construction projects so as to provide on-site guidance and mentorship for local professionals.

This study assessed the risks level associated with implementation of sustainable construction practices through a questionnaire survey distributed to 256 building professionals in Nigeria. It identified 47 risk factors with different likelihood of occurrence and magnitude of impacts. A quantitative risk analysis result based on mean value method and risk prioritisation number showed that the three top-ranked risk factors with highest likelihood of occurrence were unavailability of sustainable materials and equipment, more complex and unfamiliar construction techniques and processes, and high initial sustainable construction costs; whereas the three top-ranked risk factors with highest magnitude of impacts were high initial sustainable construction costs, poor and inefficient communication among project participants, and high cost of sustainable materials and equipment. The criticality index result identified 23 critical risk factors which mostly related to knowledge and awareness, cost, regulatory framework, building materials and socioeconomic issues. However, the Wilcoxon Signed-rank test result indicated that there is significant difference (z = -3.207, p&lt;0.001) between the likelihood of occurrence and magnitude of impacts of the risks factors associated with implementation of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria of which the effect was moderate (r = 0.468). Furthermore, the study revealed that there is no significance difference in the risk level of the risk factors associated with implementation of sustainable construction practices based on the respondents’ roles (p&gt;0.05). The study, therefore, recommended for training of construction practitioners in the multi-risk management approaches and increasing awareness through education on sustainable construction concept for building industry stakeholders. It further recommended for developing of new sustainable and affordable building materials through research institutes like Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) with appropriate regulatory and policy frameworks for successful sustainable building projects.

The building sector is widely acknowledged as a driving force behind national prosperity. However, there are considerable challenges to the construction industry’s transition to sustainable practices, including regarding building information modelling (BIM) technologies. The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the Middle East in adopting BIM technologies. Green building approaches have been advanced through their incorporation into environmentally conscious building practices, with a large body of literature responding to this issue. Several projects in the United Arab Emirates have, however, made use of the complementary nature of BIM and UAE sustainable policies. However, not everybody has employed the full potential of BIM implementation in sustainable construction. This paper aims to identify and prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) for effective BIM implementation as a sustainable construction practice in the UAE and examine their ranking and relationships. A list of critical success factors was gathered from a review of previous literature to identify the essential factors for successful implementation. A standardized questionnaire was distributed to consulting organizations and engineering enterprises to verify the existence of these CSFs and measure their importance in the context of the UAE’s construction industry. The survey data was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to elaborate and validate the results, which was specifically applicable to the needs of this study. The results from the AHP analysis show that the social aspects were ranked as the highest critical success factor compared to the other criteria, namely economic, environmental, and information technology. Within this criterion, it was found that effective communication among stakeholders is the most important element, as subject matter experts feel that it is imperative to have buy-in from all or most of the construction project stakeholders to achieve the strategic goal of implementing BIM. Equally anticipated are both an effective corporate framework to back up the BIM system and government funding to build the BIM system.