Appropriate drivers for sustainable construction practices on construction sites in Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable construction practices are associated with the profitable and competitive construction industry, enhancement of quality of life, improved client satisfaction, provision of desirable natural and social environments, 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 and establish the barriers to and appropriate drivers for sustainable construction practices on construction sites in Nigeria. A questionnaire survey of 50 construction sites in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was conducted with construction professionals as the specific target, out of which only 43 construction sites have at least a construction professional present at the site. 43 filled questionnaires from the respondents was used for analysis in this study. The findings of the study show that misuse of natural and human resources are the most significant unsustainable construction practices in Nigeria. The findings also show that the use of conventional construction is a major barrier to sustainable construction practices on construction sites. The study identified education and training, sustainability assessment system, and availability of the National Building Code as the appropriate drivers of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria. The study concludes that sustainable construction practice is lacking consideration in Nigeria as a result of the use of conventional construction system, poverty, lack of expertise for sustainable construction, and unavailability of National Building Code.