Benefits of Using Green Materials for the Construction of Low-Cost Building in Nigeria

Abstract

The earth and recycle materials have been in utilisation for the construction of building at a reasonable price by human being from time immemorial. Conversely, in the resent time the cost of building has increased to the extent that is now beyond the power of lower and middle class to construct or buy building of their own. Therefore, this paper assesses the benefits of using green materials for erection of structure at affordable prices. Four hundred structured survey instrument questionnaires were prepared and distributed through purposive sampling to construction professionals in the north-central part of Nigeria, seeking their views on the benefits of using green materials towards provision of building at reasonable price. The responses received were analysed using analysis of moments structure (AMOS) through structural equation model (SEM). The results show that green material is cost-effective, readily available, energy efficiency, reduced cost of construction, reduced waste, improved the economy of the community promotes cultural heritage, adaptable to the environment, eco-friendly, enhance social wellbeing, and reduced carbon dioxide emission. Consequently, a combination of green materials with conventional materials will promote delivery of more buildings to the citizenry at reasonable cost.