FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

The construction industry is a significant contributor to economic development but also a major source of environmental degradation due to high level of resource consumption and carbon emissions. Sustainable construction, which utilizes eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled concrete, recycled steel and recycled plastic, is crucial for mitigating these impacts. However, its adoption in Nigeria faces significant challenges. This study therefore assessed the factors influencing the adoption of eco-friendly materials for sustainable construction in Lagos, Nigeria. With a quantitative research approach, a well-structured questionnaire was administered on 174 firms and a total of 66 copies of the questionnaire were returned by respondents from 8 consulting firms, 39 contracting firms, 5 consortium firms, and 14 government ministries, departments and agencies located in Lagos. Data collected were analyzed using percentage, mean score, analysis of variance and factor analysis. The findings revealed that the primary factors motivating adoption are waste reduction, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased pollution, while the main inhibiting factors are a lack of expertise and technical capacity, limited technical guidelines, and limited training and awareness. The study concludes that eco-friendly materials are being adopted for sustainable construction but the level of adoption in Lagos is being hindered by a significant number of technical and institutional barriers. It recommends the need to develop strategies for enhanced technical capacity building, clear policies guidelines, and stronger government incentive schemes to foster a more sustainable practices in construction sector.