CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The world has seen in recent times, increasing global alert on the unsustainable consequences of human activities on the environment, though the blame has been shifted to a broad range of industrial activities, the construction industry is not left out of this quagmire. This is unsurprising as it has been discovered that the construction industry is directly responsible for a large portion of energy consumption, biodiversity loss, waste generation and pollution (CIOB, 2004). This challenge has surfaced at a time developing economies such as Nigeria and China are experiencing increasing construction project to cope with the high demands of a surge in population growth and growing economic activities (Zhang, Wu, Shen and Skitmore, 2013). Though there is an increasing housing deficit in the country, government efforts in combating this menace must however be done in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically supportive way (Oni, 2015). This then calls for a need for governments to look beyond mass conventional building systems to adopting a much more sustainable approach to providing the much needed surplus housing. In response to this challenge, the construction industry has looked into processes, methods and means of revitalizing its construction activities and these efforts has led to the conception of green buildings. Constructing sustainable buildings reduces raw materials and lad, minimizes the consumption of energy and water and by extension reduces emission of hazardous pollutants in the environment (McMahon, Marks and Wallace 2015).

The term “green” and “sustainable design is often used interchangeably, though there are shades of meaning implied by each. Green building measures can lead not only to lower building operating expenses through reduced utility and waste disposal. Cost, but also to lower ongoing building maintenance cost ranging from salaries to suppliers. The emphasis is on efficiency. Sustainability is a goal that allows for the continuing improvement of standard of living without reversible damage to resources we need to survive as species (Lehrer, 2001). The green approach to Architecture is not something new as it has existed for years. What is new is the realization that green approach to the built environment involves a holistic approach to the design of buildings; that all the resources that go into a building, be they materials fuels or the contribution of the users need to be considered if sustainable architecture is to be produced (Brebde an vale, 2007).

In Nigeria some buildings embody one of the various verifiable characteristics of green design. Buildings with holistic approach are yet to be seen. Sustainable development is the challenges of meeting growing human needs for natural resources, industrial products, energy, food, transportation and effective waste management while conserving and protecting environmental quality and the natural resource base essential for future life and development. This concept recognize that meeting long term human needs will be impossible unless we also conserve the earth’s natural, physical and chemical system (Gottfried, 1996). This is also in tandem with environmental sustainability. There is no doubt that sustainable development concept, applied to design, construction and operation of buildings can enhance institutions, communities in Nigeria and other third world countries. This is more apt in this era of climate change. However, according to Nwafor (2006), the evolution of the concept in the 1990’s to encompass the economic, social and environmental points of view made the concept a driving force. The economic point deals with growth, efficiency and stability. The social aspect is concerned with poverty, cultural heritage and empowerment while the environmental aspect deals with biodiversity/resilience natural resources and pollution.

According to Gottfried (1996), the decision made at the first phase of building design and construction can significantly affect the costs and efficiencies of other phase as recent studies have shown that green building measures taken during construction or renovation can result in significant building operational savings, as well as increases in employee productivity. In essence, building related costs are best revealed and understood when they are analyzed over the life sp[an of the building. In Nigeria, green concept, sustainability and environmental issues are hardly put into consideration when designing a new building or renovating an old one. According to Otegbulu (2011), these results in a short fall in user satisfaction, functional space planning, service type and in addition sustainable building components are often neglected during design and construction.

1. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Sustainability studies has attracted numerous and diverse interests since its inception both from the academics, professionals, government and the general public (Aghimien et al, 2018;) while these debates soar on, the impact of the construction industry in contributing to the unsustainable nature of global climate has undoubtedly be attributed to the construction industry as one of the contributing industries amongst many others. The construction industry is a tool used by governments to provide necessary infrastructural facilities for its citizens (Aghimien et al, 2018). The construction industry as stated by Ayodele and Alabi (2011) significantly contributes to the development of the economy of any nation, its activities; provision of infrastructure and economic contribution to the GDP makes it a force to reckon with.

The construction Industry like other industries is not without significant impact on the environment. it has been revealed to be one of the largest contributor to indoor and outdoor environmental pollution (Ding, 2008; Geng and Doberstein, 2008. it is responsible for 36% of energy-related CO2 emissions in industrialized economies (Nassen et al. 2007), these issues of environmental pollution, use of energy and use of resources are growing concerns globally (Berg and BenDor 2011). The major environmental issue facing Nigeria can be highlighted as land degradation, air and water pollution (Fed.Min of Environment, 2012; Oladapo, 2008a, b). These adverse effects can be traced to the activities of the construction Industry. Ijigah et al (2013) listed these main areas of pollution as to air, water and noise pollution. During the building process, activities such as site preparation caused through land clearing causes soil erosion that leads to sediment pollution, the use of diesel engines of mechanical plants, demolition of works and use of toxic products pollutes the air, land and water (Ijigah et al 2013).

However, though this new wave of construction process is taking on a growing popularity backed by government policies in advanced economies, it has been lethargic in developing economies such as Nigeria. Failure to accommodate sustainable principles in these current times renders any attempt at housing an exercise in futility in the long run as future generations will bear the consequences of unsustainable practices in vogue today (Oni, 2015). The apparent lack of preparedness for the adoption of green buildings in Nigeria has been associated with the would-be drivers of the system present in countries who have successfully adopted the new approach but might be absent in Nigeria (Aghimien, Adegbembo Awodele, & Aghimien, 2018), also there are barriers to the adoption of this system which threatens its survivability and dampens the preparedness of the Nigerian construction industry to adopt this new and environmentally friendly concept.

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between impact of green building materials and sustainable construction in Nigeria.

Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Examine the positive or benefit effects of green building materials on sustainable construction of hemparete
2. Ascertain the efforts of construction industry in the implementation of green building materials of hemparete
3. Assess the barriers to the adoption of green building materials of hemparete in Nigeria

1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the positive or benefit effects of green building materials on sustainable construction of hemparete?
2. What are the efforts of construction industry in the implementation of green building materials of hemparete?
3. What are the barriers to the adoption of green building materials of hemparete in Nigeria?

1. SATATEMENT OF THE HYPOTHESIS

H0 there is no significant impact between green building materials and sustainable construction in Nigeria

H1 there is significant impact between green building materials and sustainable construction in Nigeria.

1. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is on investigating the implementation of green building materials in Nigeria. The study comes at the very moment where sustainable construction in Nigeria is highly needed and as such the implementation of green building materials is the answer.

The findings of the study will reveal the positive effects and benefits of green building materials to sustainable construction and as such the implementation of it cannot be over emphasized as it becomes a dire need.

The findings of the study will serve as an eye opener and give room to the policy makers, construction industry, and ministry of environment towards ensuring the adoption and effective implementation of green building materials in Nigeria.

1. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses mainly on the investigating the implementation of green building materials in Nigeria. Specifically, the interest of the study will be restricted on Hemparete Nigeria, due to time and finance constraints. The focus of the study will be on positive or benefit effects of green building materials on sustainable construction of hemparete; the efforts of construction industry in the implementation of green building materials of hemparete; the barriers to the adoption of green building materials of hemparete in Nigeria.

1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

TIME CONSTRAINTS: One the challenges experienced by the researcher is the issue of time; the research will simultaneously engage in departmental activities like seminars and attendance to lectures. But the researcher was able to meet up with the deadline for the submission of the project.

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: Every research work needs funding; however lack of adequate funds might affect the speed of the researcher in getting materials for completion of the project.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Green Building

A ‘green’ building is a building that, in its design, construction or operation, reduces or eliminates negative impacts, and can create positive impacts, on our climate and natural environment. Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve our quality of life.

Building materials

Building material is any material which is used for construction purposes. Many naturally occurring substances, such as clay, rocks, sand, and wood, even twigs and leaves, have been used to construct buildings.

Sustainable construction

Sustainable construction means using renewable and recyclable materials when building new structures, as well as reducing energy.

Construction industry

The branch of manufacture and trade based on the building, maintaining, and repairing structures. This includes drilling and solid mineral exploration.

Implementation

Implementation is the carrying out, execution, or practice of a plan, a method, or any design, idea, model, specification, standard or policy for doing something.