An assessment of the adoption of smart building concept in the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract

Technological penetration across developing countries has impacted the construction industry, with more construction stakeholders deploying various technologies into the building lifecycle's design, construction, management, and maintenance. The building sector has evolved by adopting and implementing smart tools for its operations over the past few years. Building information modelling (BIM), the internet of things (IoT), and smart devices (sensors) are game-changers that have helped to reduce the complexity of construction activity and increase productivity. Meanwhile, introducing the sustainable development concept in the construction industry has enabled the proper management of the earth's natural resources and provided a pathway for ecosystem balance alongside socio-economic development. Amid the skyrocketing population growth, urban sprawl, and globalization, the building industry is confronted with the challenge of providing adequate and holistic built infrastructures such as efficient energy management, good water supply, occupants' indoor comfort, and the management of construction waste. The smart building concept (SBCs), which employs sustainable construction whereby the built product is constructed according to best practices, including efficient energy use, the recycling of raw material, and the realization of a sustainable and carbon-free environment, has demonstrated the digitalization of sustainable development in the construction industry. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to asseeement of the adoption of smart building concepts in the Nigerian construction industry. The research poses the following questions: 1) What is the awareness level of construction professionals in the adoption of the smart building concept (SBCs) in the Nigerian construction industry? 2) What factors can enhance the awareness of the smart building concept among construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry? 3) What factors enhance the adoption of SBCs among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry? 4) What are barriers to adopting SBCs in construction projects in the Nigerian construction industry? A random sampling technique in selecting the construction professionals. The total population of construction professionals within the study area is 5,108, comprising construction professionals of Architects, Builders (Mechanical, Electrical, and Structural), Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors practicing in Lagos state. The sample size selection was made using the Yamane formula (1967) for calculating sample size. Therefore, the sample for this study is 363. A well-structured questionnaire of 363 was administered to construction professionals to gather relevant data on the topic. The data collected were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis H test and weighted mean, factor analysis, and binary regression analysis, and mean item score and agreement analysis technique. The key finding of the research indicated that construction professionals are generally aware of the smart building concept. Administration, education, organizational, and environmental factors were discovered to enhance the adoption of smart building concepts among construction professionals. Furthermore, the research indicates that energy and cost-saving, job creation, safety and security, and health care are the critical factors enhancing in adoption of smart building concepts among construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. Lastly, the research result discovered that the high cost of smart building materials, inadequate power supply, resistance to change from the use of traditional technology, poor maintenance culture, poor knowledge of smart building technology, inadequate well-trained labour in the practice of smart building construction, and inadequate finance schemes are the significant barriers to the adoption of smart building concept. Based on this research finding, the research recommends that construction professionals engage more in smart building concepts, propagating the country's awareness and development of smart building construction. Furthermore, the government should establish a common platform for the collaboration of all stakeholders, such as professionals in the construction industry and academia, by way of policymaking and funding of research and development towards implementing these smart technologies. It will go a long way for employment creation and improve the country's economy. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by discovering the critical factors that will aid the successful adoption of the smart building concept in the Nigerian construction industry.