An investigation into the prospects of green building practice in Nigeria

Green Building (GB) is a concept that gains currency as an important mitigating measure against the negative side effects of developmental activities. This is a report on investigation carried out on the prospects of GB practice in Nigeria. This research work entails review of related literature to establish the concept of GB, problems militating against the practice of GB and method of constructing GB. A total of 50 structured questionnaires were distributed, out of which 40 were received. Practice of GB in Nigeria, factors hindering the practice and benefits of GB were investigated. Based on Likert scale ranking, results show that GB is currently not practiced and the need for it exist. Also, lack of awareness is the most prominent factor hindering the construction of GB, followed by 'Lack of enabling environment in the form of policy or legislation that will encourage prospective clients to use GB and 'Economic situation of the country'. Health and productivity gain is identified as the most important benefit of green building, followed by 'preservation of natural resources while taking care of their health' and 'attraction and retention of employee'. It was recommended that public enlightenment should be done by Non Governmental Organizations, government and professional bodies, the practice of Green building should be encouraged by the government, request for construction environmental management plan from contractors as part of tender documents and the government should liaise with the industry's stakeholders to establish a construction bank that will empower the people.