In the heart of Nigeria, a pressing question echoes through the construction industry: How aware are building professionals of sustainable development principles, and how is this awareness shaping the buildings they create? A recent study, led by Cosmas Oseyende Ehimioboh from the Department of Building at Dennis Osadebay University in Asaba, Nigeria, has shed light on this very issue, revealing a stark contrast between awareness and action.
The study, published in the Global Journal of Environmental Science & Management (known in English as the Global Journal of Environmental Science & Sustainability), surveyed 68 building construction professionals in Asaba, Delta State. The findings were eye-opening. While the majority of respondents were aware of the concept of Sustainable Development (SD) and its principles, with a Relative Importance Index (RII) of 1.0, this awareness was not translating into practice.
“Despite the awareness, the concept of SD tends to be neglected and underplayed in Asaba,” Ehimioboh noted. This neglect is having a tangible impact on the construction industry and the energy sector. Buildings that are not designed and constructed with SD principles in mind are less energy-efficient, leading to higher energy consumption and costs.
The study’s findings suggest that the concept of SD is not well understood or fully appreciated by professionals in the study area. This lack of understanding is hindering the integration of SD principles into construction practices, leaving a significant gap between theory and practice.
So, what does this mean for the future of construction in Nigeria and beyond? Ehimioboh recommends that construction regulatory bodies, professional associations, and institutions of higher learning promote and organize training, education, and sensitization programs focused on SD principles in construction practices. Such initiatives could enhance the existing knowledge of construction professionals regarding SD, bridging the gap between awareness and action.
The implications of this research extend far beyond Asaba. As the world grapples with climate change and the need for sustainable development, the construction industry has a crucial role to play. By integrating SD principles into construction practices, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact, lower energy consumption, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In the words of Ehimioboh, “The concept of SD is not well understood or fully appreciated by professionals in the study area. As a result, the concept remains normative, subjective, and ambiguous to them.” This ambiguity must be addressed if we are to see meaningful change in the construction industry.
The study serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for education and training in SD principles. It also underscores the potential for the construction industry to drive sustainable development, shaping a future where buildings are not just structures, but beacons of sustainability.