Green building (GB) development is attracting interest globally, yet many fast-growing countries (FGCs) are underperforming in GB delivery, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. This study aims to identify pathways for accelerating GB development in FGCs, using Nigeria as a case study.
Three-fold research data was employed. First, seven policy documents that are relevant for GB development in Nigeria were sourced, reviewed and analyzed based on content analysis. Second, a systematic literature review (SLR) of thirty-five research articles sourced from the Scopus database was conducted to underscore key research outcomes. Third, an exploratory case study of sixteen GBs was conducted to contextualize the current practice status in Nigeria.
The findings revealed that the few policy efforts in Nigeria skewed largely towards energy efficiency. The challenges associated with GB growth include low level of competency, low investment in the GB market, the dearth of technological enablers and the scarcity of GB project cases. Current project initiatives are diminutive, revealing low certification achievement and scanty public sector participation.
This paper presents a unique position for accelerating sustainable architecture and construction based on policy pathways (development of novel codes and sectorial policies, harmonization of standards and performance monitoring), research pathways (development of models, technological enablers and knowledge management) and practice pathways (capacity building, public investment and sectorial collaborations).
The paper developed an integrated three-pathway framework for bringing Nigeria’s construction industry up to speed in GB delivery, noting areas where other FGCs need to explore.
