Improving Sustainability in University Environment: The Stakeholders’ Viewpoints

Abstract

Improvements on practices and materials have made it reasonable to do what might have been unlikely just few years ago; however, much remains to be done in order to reduce the environmental impact of our structures so as to achieve sustainable built environment. The study therefore assessed the sustainable practices in a university environment in North East Nigeria with a view to developing strategies that will improve sustainable construction in the built environment. This was done through the interview of six stakeholders who played active roles in the design, construction and occupation of the buildings. In addition, document analysis was carried out on the design and change orders. Findings indicated that users’ need and sustainable resources were incorporated during the design stage; the use of locally sourced materials during construction stage was also evident. Several challenges were also encountered such as how to integrate sustainable and innovative materials and with the features that were obtainable in North-East Nigeria, incomplete design information and specifications because designers were United States based who had limited information on the terrain of the location. The strategies adopted were traceable to the design and construction stages of the buildings based on the lessons learnt from the 1st building. The study has been able to give several insights in terms of innovations adopted in the construction of two buildings using sustainable construction principles which could be leveraged on by other institutions of higher learning in terms of theoretical and practical perspectives for students and practitioners in the industry when they are engaged in similar projects.