Assessment of the adoption of innovative building materials (IBM) for sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry in Nigeria plays a substantial role in shaping the country's economy and environment. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using innovative building materials (IBM) to accomplish sustainable construction practices. This study aims to assess the adoption of IBM for sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). The study has five objectives, including determining the level of awareness of some available IBM, identifying drivers and barriers to adoption, evaluating the benefits of using these materials, and providing strategies for successful adoption. This study was conducted using quantitative research method. A survey was undertaken among professionals involved in the construction sector in Nigeria, comprising architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors, to gather information on their awareness, usage, drivers, barriers, benefits, and strategies for adopting IBM. Out of 363 sample sizes, 282 responses were obtained and found suitable, making the overall response rate for this study 77.6%. This research comprehensively analyses the current state of IBM adoption for sustainable construction in Nigeria. The data was analysed using the following descriptive analyses: mean item score (MIS), relative importance index (RII), ranking and frequency and inferential analysis (ANOVA, KMO and Bartlett's, factor analysis and chi-square test). Using six (6) selected IBM; pigmented/coloured concrete, light-generating concrete, cross laminated timber (CLT), timbercrete, smart glass windows, and three-dimensional (3D)-printed graphene. The findings indicated that respondents are very aware of four IBMs: smart glass windows, CLT, pigmented/coloured concrete and 3D-printed graphene, while considering all six IBMs relevant. For application, smart glass windows are the most adopted material out of the six (6) IBMs in the construction industry. According to the respondents, all 14 drivers are very significant. Clients' requirements, government regulations, availability of IBM suppliers and developments in ICT/technology-push are the top drivers of IBM adoption. This study highlights the importance of government support and regulations in promoting the use of IBM. The study also found significant barriers to IBM adoption in the study area: lack of awareness and knowledge, learning /training period, cost and economic viability, and lack of qualified staff. Sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, efficient energy use, environmental protection, and increased use of recycled waste as building materials were the top benefits of IBM adoption. The study also noted that the respondents found all 18 benefits very significant, and the top three benefits are sustainable and environmentally friendly, efficient use of energy and environmental protection. Based on these findings, the study recommends owner/client support, appraisal of building codes and establishment of sustainable building codes, provision of sustainable material selection criteria, and mandatory governmental policies and regulations encouraging the use of IBM as the top strategies for IBM's successful adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, which will contribute to the sustainable development of the country. This study contributes to the current knowledge base by offering additional insights on awareness, drivers, barriers, benefits, and strategies for adopting IBM, which could enhance the effectiveness of IBM in the construction industry in Nigeria and beyond.