EXPOSITORY STUDY ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE IN PROJECT DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The construction industry is a key driver of most developing economies like Nigeria, considering its huge contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product. Unfortunately, a large proportion of construction industry’s method of work delivery and resource inputs degrade the environment with attendant negative impacts on humans, plants and animals alike. This, succinctly imply an unsustainable construction practice. This paper therefore, examined the extent of awareness of the impact construction activities have on the Nigerian environment. It also evaluated the constraints militating against the development and implementation of appropriate environmental policy frameworks for sustainable construction practice in Nigeria, and finally identified ways of improving the adoption of sustainable construction practice in Nigeria. The methodology of study involved descriptive survey research in which structured questionnaire was purposively administered to a study population of construction industry professionals in selected states of the Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone, namely-Niger, Kogi, Nassarawa, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory. Data obtained in the study were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings showed that lack of appropriate sustainable construction strategy awareness by stakeholders and public investors (WT-257, R-1); Divergent view of success factors and criteria (WT-246, R-2), and Poor government support for sustainable construction (WT-227, R3) ranked most among factors that militate against the development and implementation of environmental policy for sustainable construction in Nigeria. The study concludes that adoption of sustainable construction practice in Nigeria could be achieved by increasing public awareness on the imperatives of construction sustainability and improving general stakeholder commitment towards its implementation. The study recommends that the government, its agencies, academic institutions and professional associations in the built environment industry should evolve policies and strategies that seeks to increase the present low level of implementation of sustainable construction practice in Nigeria.