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Journal : Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure

Building for the Future: Evaluating Sustainable Construction Practices and Overcoming Challenges in Nigeria’s Construction Industry Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, D.S.; Dan-asab, B.
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Advances and Challenges in Sustainable Infrastructure
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v3i2.29

Abstract

This study investigates the current state of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions within the construction industry. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through survey questionnaires distributed to construction professionals, including engineers, architects, and project managers. With a strong response rate of 95.6%, the data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) within the LISREL framework. The findings reveal that sustainable practices are inconsistently applied across the industry, with environmental sustainability showing the weakest emphasis. Social and economic sustainability practices also display varied levels of implementation, reflecting significant challenges in fully integrating sustainability into construction projects. The analysis points to inconsistencies and gaps, evidenced by moderate to weak associations between observed practices and their sustainability goals. To address these challenges, the study recommends that policymakers and industry leaders implement comprehensive strategies, including robust regulatory frameworks, targeted capacity-building programs, and incentives to encourage sustainable practices. Enhanced collaboration among stakeholders and increased investment in research and development are essential for fostering innovation and improving sustainability outcomes. Future research should include longitudinal studies to track the evolution of these practices over time, as well as comparative studies across different regions to identify contextual factors influencing sustainability. Additionally, qualitative research methods such as interviews and focus groups are suggested to gain deeper insights into the socio-cultural factors shaping sustainability in Nigeria's construction sector. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers and opportunities for advancing sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.
Sustainable Construction Practices in Nigeria: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, D.S.; Dan-asabe, B.; Alabi, A.A.
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 3 No. 2 (2024): Advances and Challenges in Sustainable Infrastructure
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v3i2.30

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on the roles of regulatory frameworks, financial incentives, organizational readiness, and awareness and knowledge among stakeholders. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 255 experts in the construction sector, consisting of architects, project managers and engineers. The analysis utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to explore the direct and indirect effects of these factors on the sustainable construction practices adoption. The findings reveal that awareness and knowledge have the most significant impact, highlighting the critical need for education and information dissemination in advancing sustainability. Additionally, robust regulatory frameworks and financial incentives were identified as crucial enablers, facilitating the implementation of sustainable practices by setting standards and reducing financial barriers. Organizational readiness, encompassing leadership support and resource availability, also emerged as a key determinant, mediating the effects of policies and incentives. The study concludes that a multifaceted approach involving strong policies, financial support, and enhanced organizational capacity is essential for promoting sustainable construction in Nigeria. These findings are valuable guide to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and educators in their efforts to foster an environmentally sustainable construction sector.
Evaluating the Influence of Green Building Certifications on Construction Practices in Nigeria: A Systematic Review Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawasa, D.S.; Dan-asabe, B.; Alabi, A.A.
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Advancing Sustainable Infrastructure Through Innovation, Resilience, and Low-Ca
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v4i1.31

Abstract

This research examines the influence of green building certifications on construction practices within Nigeria, concentrating on certifications such as LEED, EDGE, and BREEAM. Through a comprehensive review of literature spanning from 2015 to 2023, the study assesses the adoption of these certifications, the resulting changes in construction methodologies, and the economic and environmental impacts observed. The findings highlight a modest but increasing uptake of certifications, largely driven by adherence to international standards and emerging local efforts. In Nigeria, buildings that have achieved certification demonstrate notable advancements in energy efficiency, water use reduction, and waste management, contributing to greater sustainability and reduced operational expenses. Nonetheless, challenges such as substantial initial costs, a lack of adequately trained professionals, and insufficient governmental policies continue to impede progress. The research underscores the importance of enhanced governmental intervention, greater public education, and the growth of local industries focused on sustainable building materials. Upcoming research should explore the extended financial advantages of sustainable building methods, the challenges hindering their widespread implementation, and conduct comparative studies with other developing nations. This research provides important knowledge for policymakers, developers, and other key players dedicated to promoting eco-friendly building practices in Nigeria, aligning with international sustainability goals
Sustainable Concrete Solutions: Advancing Low-Carbon Infrastructure with Fly Ash in Nigeria’s Construction Industry Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, Danjuma S.
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Sustainable Infrastructure Breakthroughs: From Concrete to Circularity
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v4i2.43

Abstract

The urgent environmental challenges posed by the high carbon footprint of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) demand sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical performance, durability, environmental impact, and economic feasibility of fly ash-based concrete as a partial replacement for OPC in Nigeria’s construction sector. Concrete mixtures with 20%, 40%, and 60% fly ash replacement were prepared and tested for compressive strength, workability, chloride penetration resistance, sulfate resistance, and water absorption. Advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) and economic analyses were conducted to quantify environmental benefits and cost savings. Results indicate that early-stage compressive strength decreases with increasing fly ash content due to slower pozzolanic reactions; however, significant strength gains occur at later curing stages, with 90-day compressive strengths reaching up to 42 MPa for 40% fly ash mixtures. Durability improvements were demonstrated by a 50% reduction in chloride permeability and a decrease in sulfate-induced mass loss from 0.7% to 0.2% at 60% fly ash replacement. The LCA revealed a reduction in CO₂ emissions by up to 51%, while economic analysis showed cost savings of up to 20% compared to conventional OPC concrete. These findings confirm that fly ash-based concrete provide enhanced durability and substantial environmental and financial advantages, making it a viable, sustainable alternative for construction in Nigeria. However, challenges such as supply chain constraints, quality control, and limited industry awareness must be addressed to enable widespread adoption. Future research should focus on improving fly ash reactivity, exploring hybrid supplementary cementitious materials, and conducting long-term field performance studies to further optimize and validate fly ash concrete applications under local climatic conditions.
Technology and Innovation Management for Circular Economy in Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Sector Unegbu, Hyginus; Yawas, Danjuma S.
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Sustainable Infrastructure Breakthroughs: From Concrete to Circularity
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v4i2.44

Abstract

This research explores the role of technology and innovation management in facilitating the adoption of Circular Economy (CE) principles within Nigeria’s renewable energy sector. As Nigeria strives to address its energy deficit through renewable energy technologies, the integration of CE practices remains limited, especially in terms of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and material recycling. Using a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of renewable energy firms, this study assesses the extent of technology adoption and Circular Economy integration. The results indicate that solar photovoltaics (PV) and biomass are the most widely adopted technologies, with 80% of firms using solar PV. However, advanced Circular Economy practices, such as waste-to-energy and material regeneration, have been adopted by only 40% of firms. The research identifies several key barriers to the adoption of Circular Economy practices, including technological limitations, high initial costs, lack of government support, and low awareness. The findings underscore the pivotal role of innovation management in overcoming these barriers, particularly through the adoption of advanced technologies like solar PV and energy storage systems. The study concludes by offering policy recommendations, including the need for financial incentives, investment in research and development, and fostering collaborative innovation. These measures are essential for accelerating the adoption of Circular Economy principles, ensuring the sustainability and growth of Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
Revolutionizing Nigeria's Construction Sector: A Resilient Circular Economy Framework for Sustainable Urban Development Unegbu, Hyginus
Journal of Sustainable Infrastructure Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Sustainable Infrastructure Breakthroughs: From Concrete to Circularity
Publisher : Fakultas Perencanaan Infrastruktur, Universitas Pertamina

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.61078/jsi.v4i2.46

Abstract

The adoption of circular economy (CE) practices is essential for fostering sustainability in the construction sector, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria. This study investigates the barriers, opportunities, and strategies for advancing CE adoption in Nigeria’s construction industry. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys of 285 construction firms, semi-structured interviews with 40 stakeholders, and system dynamics modeling to evaluate policy scenarios. The findings reveal a low adoption rate of CE principles (18%), with large firms (42%) significantly outpacing SMEs (9%). Urban areas showed higher adoption rates (26%) compared to rural regions (12%), attributed to better access to infrastructure, market-driven incentives, and regulatory enforcement. Key barriers include high financial costs, regulatory gaps, and limited access to advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). Opportunities for accelerating CE adoption were identified, including public-private partnerships (PPPs) to bridge financial and technical gaps, increasing demand for sustainable practices from multinational clients, and integrating CE principles into educational curricula to address skill shortages. System dynamics modeling demonstrated that high policy interventions—combining financial incentives, regulatory reforms, and capacity-building initiatives—could achieve a 60% reduction in construction waste and a 40% improvement in resource efficiency by 2035. This study underscores the need for comprehensive policies, collaborative initiatives, and educational reforms to enable Nigeria’s transition to a sustainable construction sector. By aligning national strategies with global sustainability goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria can position itself as a regional leader in sustainable construction.