**2. Concept of green architecture**

Green architecture, also referred to as sustainable architecture, is a philosophy of designing buildings to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainability. Green architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built environment [11]. It approaches building construction from the conceptualisation at the design and construction stage to the material usage at the finishing stage and throughout the entire lifespan of the buildings in order to minimise the harmful effect on human health and the environment [12]. Elshimy defined green architecture as the design and construction practices that considerably reduce or eliminate the undesirable effect of buildings on the environment and its occupants [13]. Similarly, the Integrated Waste Management Board, as cited in Kadiri, defined green architecture as an architecture that is designed, constructed, renovated, operated, or used in an ecological and resource-efficient manner [14]. It involves a trans-disciplinary approach to building construction and takes into consideration the environment as a vital factor in the design process [15]. Therefore, the concept of green architecture strives to minimise the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and modernisation in the use of materials and energy, as well as conservation of the

**17**

discussed below.

*2.1.1 Technology/capacity barrier*

*Exploring the Factors Hindering the Use of Green Architecture in Nigeria*

environment [16–20]. However, despite the several benefits of green architecture, the conventional architectural practice in Nigeria often overlooks the interrelationships between a building, its materials and components usage, and the environment. This makes the buildings consume more resources causing an undesirable effect on the environment and creating a tremendous amount of waste. It subsequently results in buildings that are expensive to operate in terms of energy and water consumption and also contribute to buildings having poor indoor air quality. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that various stakeholders of the construction industry adopt the principles and practice of green architecture as a possible way of creating an environment that is friendly with resource-efficient buildings and reducing the operation and maintenance costs associated with built environ-

It is against this background and the possible way of encouraging the use of green architecture in Nigeria that this study explores the various factors hindering

Despite the numerous advantages of green architecture practice as it is related to sustainable site design, water quality and conservation, energy and environment, indoor air quality as well as material and resource conservation. The practice of green architecture is still faced with various factors that hinder its acceptance and usage. Choi et al. and Issa et al. identifies the various factors hindering the use of green architecture to include capacity barriers, the high initial cost of construction, and lack of proper awareness and enlightenment [21, 22]. Hamidi believes that the lack of green architecture expertise to initiate its concepts and principles from the early stages of building design and planning hinders the utilisation of green architecture [23]. Another factor identified by Issa et al., which hinders the development of green architecture, is the slow recovery of long-term costs [22]. Also, Means identified the various factors which hinder the use of green architecture to include low priority for the sustainability agenda in the education system, lack of urgency surrounding the practice of sustainability; lack of enforcement by the relevant authorities, and lack of government intervention through policies and incentive [24]. Other factors include financial constraints, the belief that sustainable buildings are economically not viable as they add to project costs, the belief that sustainable construction is an academic pursuit and not viable in practice, and most important is the lack of political will. In summary, the various factors hindering the use of green architecture, as identified from various literature, are categorised and

Various studies by different researchers have identified technology and capacity barriers as one of the main factors that hinder the development of green architecture. In a study conducted by Robichaud and Anantatmula, it identified a lack of knowledge about green architecture practices, lack of training, and education as the main barriers to the implementation of green building practices in developing countries [25]. This is further stressed by Du Plessis, Hakkinen and Belloni, and Opoku and Ahmed as a barrier due to the shortage of expertise in green architecture practices and its sustainability [26–28]. Rydin et al. argued that not only are professionals supposed to be knowledgeable, but also need to form an integrated team comprising of the developer/owner, project manager, contractor, architect, services engineer, structural engineer, civil engineer,

its usage and provides possible measures to overcome these challenges.

**2.1 Factors hindering the use of green architecture**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92403*

ment design in Nigeria.

#### *Exploring the Factors Hindering the Use of Green Architecture in Nigeria DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92403*

*Zero-Energy Buildings - New Approaches and Technologies*

and factors hindering the use of green architecture in Nigeria.

Green architecture, also referred to as sustainable architecture, is a philosophy of designing buildings to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainability. Green architecture uses a conscious approach to energy and ecological conservation in the design of the built environment [11]. It approaches building construction from the conceptualisation at the design and construction stage to the material usage at the finishing stage and throughout the entire lifespan of the buildings in order to minimise the harmful effect on human health and the environment [12]. Elshimy defined green architecture as the design and construction practices that considerably reduce or eliminate the undesirable effect of buildings on the environment and its occupants [13]. Similarly, the Integrated Waste Management Board, as cited in Kadiri, defined green architecture as an architecture that is designed, constructed, renovated, operated, or used in an ecological and resource-efficient manner [14]. It involves a trans-disciplinary approach to building construction and takes into consideration the environment as a vital factor in the design process [15]. Therefore, the concept of green architecture strives to minimise the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and modernisation in the use of materials and energy, as well as conservation of the

**2. Concept of green architecture**

conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and prevent environmental degradation [4]. The primary aim of green architecture is to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. Green architecture principles often lead to the lowering of the operational cost of buildings through reduced utility from energy and water use. It also leads to a reduction in building maintenance costs. The green approach to architecture has been in existence for years, and it is not a new approach in trying to reduce the environmental impact of architecture. According to Brenda and Robert, what seems to be new is the recognition that green approach to natural and built environment involves a holistic approach to the design of buildings; with consideration to all the resources that go into a building, such as materials, fuels and the contribution of the users [5]. In Nigeria, the concept of green architecture, its principles, as well as its advantages to the environment, is hardly put into consideration when designing new buildings or renovating buildings. The result presented by Otegbulu revealed inadequate satisfaction of building users, which is often as a result of neglected green building principles during design, construction, and maintenance phases of building construction [6]. Therefore, Green Architecture seeks to meet the needs of humans for food, shelter, natural resource, transportation, and effective waste management while preserving and protecting the quality of the environment as well as the natural resource base, which is essential for future life and development [7, 8]. This concept recognises that meeting longterm human needs will be impossible unless the earth's natural, physical, and the chemical system is conserved [9], which is in line with the concept of green architecture. There is no doubt that the principles of green architecture are important for the construction industry in Nigeria, particularly the real estate sector, which has grown steadily and rapidly in the last two decades. Figures indicate that the real estate sector as a major component of the construction industry witnessed one of the highest growth rates and contributed tremendously to Nigeria's national income in 2018 with more than ₦1.26 trillion [10]. As such, the adoption of the principles of green architecture will not only enhance but also protect communities in Nigeria. This study, therefore, seeks to explore the concept, principles,

**16**

environment [16–20]. However, despite the several benefits of green architecture, the conventional architectural practice in Nigeria often overlooks the interrelationships between a building, its materials and components usage, and the environment. This makes the buildings consume more resources causing an undesirable effect on the environment and creating a tremendous amount of waste. It subsequently results in buildings that are expensive to operate in terms of energy and water consumption and also contribute to buildings having poor indoor air quality. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that various stakeholders of the construction industry adopt the principles and practice of green architecture as a possible way of creating an environment that is friendly with resource-efficient buildings and reducing the operation and maintenance costs associated with built environment design in Nigeria.

It is against this background and the possible way of encouraging the use of green architecture in Nigeria that this study explores the various factors hindering its usage and provides possible measures to overcome these challenges.

### **2.1 Factors hindering the use of green architecture**

Despite the numerous advantages of green architecture practice as it is related to sustainable site design, water quality and conservation, energy and environment, indoor air quality as well as material and resource conservation. The practice of green architecture is still faced with various factors that hinder its acceptance and usage. Choi et al. and Issa et al. identifies the various factors hindering the use of green architecture to include capacity barriers, the high initial cost of construction, and lack of proper awareness and enlightenment [21, 22]. Hamidi believes that the lack of green architecture expertise to initiate its concepts and principles from the early stages of building design and planning hinders the utilisation of green architecture [23]. Another factor identified by Issa et al., which hinders the development of green architecture, is the slow recovery of long-term costs [22]. Also, Means identified the various factors which hinder the use of green architecture to include low priority for the sustainability agenda in the education system, lack of urgency surrounding the practice of sustainability; lack of enforcement by the relevant authorities, and lack of government intervention through policies and incentive [24]. Other factors include financial constraints, the belief that sustainable buildings are economically not viable as they add to project costs, the belief that sustainable construction is an academic pursuit and not viable in practice, and most important is the lack of political will. In summary, the various factors hindering the use of green architecture, as identified from various literature, are categorised and discussed below.

### *2.1.1 Technology/capacity barrier*

Various studies by different researchers have identified technology and capacity barriers as one of the main factors that hinder the development of green architecture. In a study conducted by Robichaud and Anantatmula, it identified a lack of knowledge about green architecture practices, lack of training, and education as the main barriers to the implementation of green building practices in developing countries [25]. This is further stressed by Du Plessis, Hakkinen and Belloni, and Opoku and Ahmed as a barrier due to the shortage of expertise in green architecture practices and its sustainability [26–28]. Rydin et al. argued that not only are professionals supposed to be knowledgeable, but also need to form an integrated team comprising of the developer/owner, project manager, contractor, architect, services engineer, structural engineer, civil engineer,

environmental engineer, landscape consultant, cost planner, and building surveyor [29]. This view is further supported by International Labour Office, who believes that the main reason for labour shortages and lack of industry skill in the construction industry is skill requirements change [30]. This is due to the introduction of green building designs, technologies, and practices, so previously satisfactory skill sets are no longer adequate. As a result of this, Opoku and Ahmed recognised the importance of building capacity as being an essential factor in the development of green architecture practices [28]. Therefore, built environment professionals need knowledge and technology that are better adapted to the natural resources to actualise the implementation of the various principles of green architecture. It is also essential for built environment professionals to adequately understand green architecture practice to be able to ensure that their decisions and actions regarding construction reduce the burden on building users and the environment.

## *2.1.2 Cultural and social resistance*

There is a common lack of concern about green architecture and the high tendency of maintaining conventional construction practices by the various stakeholders of the construction industry in most developing countries [31]. This neglect of green architecture practice is experienced differently through various stakeholders such as the built environment professions, design approving authorities, ministries of lands and housing, as well as local development authorities. Also, the construction industry in most developing countries is dominated by contractors and developers that are not interested in green technological changes that involve risks and extra costs [27, 32]. In such cases, construction favours the use of conventional practices and discourages other alternatives like the use of green architecture construction methods. The construction industry in Nigeria favours the use of sandcrete blocks and reinforced concrete, which is professionally termed wet construction, and neglects other forms of sustainable construction practiced globally. Another factor determined by Du Plessis to be hindering the use of green architecture is the low interest in sustainable construction practice by clients and other stakeholders in the construction industry [27]. This is caused as a result of ignorance by clients as it relates to the long-term advantages of utilising green architectural practices. Therefore, in order to revolutionise the current construction practice, especially as regards to construction methods and materials used. The various professionals of the construction industry must enlighten clients, and other stakeholders on the competitive advantages of utilising green architecture practices for building construction.

### *2.1.3 Higher perceived cost associated with green architecture*

Various studies have identified the fear of higher investment costs for sustainable buildings as compared to conventional buildings and the risks of unforeseen costs as one of the barriers to the utilisation and practice of green architecture [26, 32–34]. The added cost of incorporating green architecture features into building projects, which mainly depends on local factors such as climate, building customs, and labour skill levels, often serves as a significant barrier to having green buildings in most developing countries like Nigeria. Hydes and Creech believe that the high cost of green architecture practice is mainly due to overestimating energy efficient cost measures, increased consultancy fees, and underestimation of cost-saving measures [35]. This high cost usually discourages the practice of green architecture. Therefore, in order to promote the practice of green architecture. Shi et al. suggested the incorporation of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) in all construction projects by

**19**

*Exploring the Factors Hindering the Use of Green Architecture in Nigeria*

built environments professionals to ascertain the cost implication and competitive

The construction industry in most developing countries seems to be lagging in terms of the provision of incentives to contractors who meet green building ratings and consultants who incorporate principles of green architecture into their designs [37–39]. This aligns with the assertion of Chan et al., Darko and Chan, as well as Darko et al., who identified the lack of government incentives as a critical barrier affecting the adoption of Green Building Technologies [40–42]. Therefore, in order to encourage the utilisation of sustainable architecture, the government needs to establish effective financial incentives and non-financial incentives schemes that would help to ease the high initial costs associated with green architecture. Arditi and Yasamis, Serpell et al., as well as Sodagar and Fieldson, believe that the provision of incentives can be used for promoting green buildings in construction contracts in order to reduce contract costs, minimise contract duration, and maintain an acceptable level of health and safety [43–45]. This will subsequently lead to productivity, technological progress; innovation; management efficiency; and satisfactory quality of construction. Therefore, the provision of incentives will undoubtedly reduce the high start-up cost associated with green architecture and

*2.1.5 Limited knowledge and information regarding the economic benefits and* 

Inadequate knowledge and information regarding the economic benefits and prospects of green architecture also serve as a barrier to the utilisation of green architecture. The availability of information as regards to the competitive advantages the use of green architecture offers is considered to be worrisome in most developing countries [46–48]. William and Dair and Azeem et al. identified a lack of knowledge, understanding, and information as a significant barrier to the successful delivery of sustainable architecture [37, 49]. Similarly, Alabi observed a low level of awareness regarding the concept of sustainability among most construction stakeholders in Nigeria [50]. Therefore, for green architecture to be widely accepted and used for construction projects, there is an urgent need for public awareness regarding the financial, economic, and environmental benefits of green architecture to society. Also, the numerous advantages of green architecture must be documented and communicated to all relevant stakeholders in order to expand and its use. Furthermore, there should be platforms which help built environment professionals to quickly disseminate information regarding the benefits of green

Another barrier to the adoption and use of green architecture is the scarcity of green products and materials in the building construction industry. Various studies highlighted that most construction projects in developing countries faced difficulties in sourcing green products locally [49, 51–53]. Environmental friendly products that impact less on the environment and are needed for the utilisation of the principles of green architecture are not easily and readily available for use in the building construction industry. Even when these products and materials are available in developing countries such as Nigeria, the delivery time is usually lengthy.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92403*

advantages of green architecture usage [36].

promote its usage and development.

*prospects of green architecture*

architecture to the general public.

*2.1.6 Unavailability of green building materials*

*2.1.4 Lack of incentives that promotes green architecture*

built environments professionals to ascertain the cost implication and competitive advantages of green architecture usage [36].
