THE GREEN BUILDING OPTION IN LAGOS: PROSPECTS, PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The paper examines the prospects, practice and challenges of embracing green building option as alternative to conventional building practice. The research adopted qualitative research method involving the use of Focus Group Discussion (FGD and the review of existing literatures relating to the subject of discussions. A total of 21 professionals in the built industry were drawn from four tertiary institutions and the private sector in the state.

The members of the FGD were guided on subject areas of discussion which include, awareness among the professionals and member of public, feasibility and viability of green building project, examples of green building in Lagos, challenges and acceptability of the concept as an alternative to conventional building in Lagos. Reviewed literatures captured conceptual meaning of green building, drawing examples of the existence of such across the globe. Responses from the FGD were analyzed contextually and presented thematically.

Results obtained indicate that, green building concept is popular among the professionals, acceptable among them but lack adequate capacity for design and construction; feasible but relatively not viable for now. The FGD members also agreed that the option is acceptable to the public as an alternative to conventional building and has the ability to stimulate economy since it has the ability to minimize cost of energy use and reduction in carbon emissions.

Challenges highlighted include, absence of political will, certification standards legal framework and building capacity. The paper recommends for executive leadership in the state to embrace green building option as alternative to conventional building processes development, provision of improved incentives for builders, strengthening of building codes and planning requirements among others.