Abstract/Summary

This research explored the adoption and implementation of Sustainable Construction (SC) at the strategic and operational levels by construction firms in Nigeria. It is argued that developing countries (DCs) stand to gain immensely from the pursuit of efficiency in resource utilization, energy, reducing waste and pollution and consideration for local communities which are central concerns of sustainability. Literature indicates that while the sustainability agenda offers advantages for DCs, its adoption and implementation is more prevalent in the developed world. Questions then arise as to whether SC offers any business opportunities and lessons to construction firms in DCs on sustainable built assets. While numerous publications exist prescribing SC strategies seemingly deemed suitable for DCs, very little known about sustainability in the context of Nigerian Construction. Many of these strategies are normative and prescriptive with little empirical evidence gathered within local contexts to support them. This thesis argues that firm-level adoption of SC would be the outcome of a complex relationship between the firm’s understanding of SC, its capacity and capabilities and the characteristics of the local context. This relationship was studied through an exploratory multi-case study of three Nigerian firms. Multiple sources of data were used including interviews, observations and archival records. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using thematic coding. The analyses indicate that there is a very limited business case for SC with numerous barriers in the Nigerian context. Firstly, SC awareness of is low across various stakeholders, resulting in low demand and capabilities for sustainable buildings. Secondly, the firms have more pressing issues to deal with in the NCS. Currently, clients remain the single driver of SC identified in this context. It is recommended that at this early stage of SC, the Government plays a more active role in stimulating the adoption of SC in the NCS