Evaluating Awareness Levels and Barriers to Green Building Implementation

Abstract

The building sector contributes to some of the most significant environmental damage and therefore, embracing sustainable building is crucial in attaining sustainable development through green buildings. Green building involves the construction of structures with minimal adverse effects on the environment, encompassing processes from design to material selection and life cycle analysis. Existing literature underscores the limited adoption of Green Building Concepts (GBCs) in developing nations. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness of GBCs and the barriers to their implementation, which include sustainable sites practices, efficient use of materials, indoor air quality, energy and water efficiency within built environment projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Employing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the researcher engaged a sample size of 154 Built Environment Professionals (BEPs), consisting of architects and engineers, drawn from the Engineers Board of Kenya and the Board of Registration of Architects & Quantity Surveyors. The sampling method employed was stratified random sampling, while data collection relied on a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data analysis encompassed both descriptive and inferential approaches. The study revealed that BEPs in Nairobi County exhibited substantial awareness of the components associated with green buildings, including sustainable sites, sustainable materials, water efficiency, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency, each garnering an impressive mean percentage rating of 72.6%. Nonetheless, barriers to GBC implementation were identified. The research established a notable interest among BEPs in adopting GBCs, with the highest interest observed in water efficiency (84.8%), followed by energy efficiency (82.8%), sustainable materials (78.6%), sustainable site designs (75.6%), and indoor air quality (75.6%). The pronounced interest in water and energy efficiency stemmed from the significant impact of these components on utility bills. Notably, the study findings underscored that major impediments to GBC implementation included high investment costs (86.6%), inadequate public awareness (81.4%), and a shortage of financial incentives (79. 6%). Correlation results revealed a significant correlation of 56.6% between the extent of GBCs implementation and the awarenesslevels among BEPs(r = 0.566, p = 0.000 < 0.05). This suggests a robust positive relationship between BEPs' awareness and the practical incorporation of GBCs in their projects. In addition, regression analysis revealed that government regulations and policies; investors' demands; market trends and quest for personal branding and prestige for professionals in the field had significant influence on extent of GBCs implementation. However, tenants' interests, membership in professional bodies and civil society organizations did not show statistically significant influences on the extent of GBCs implementation. Recommendations from this study advocate for the incorporation of GBC requirements into key governmental regulations, policies, and building design standards, along with a heightened focus on creating awareness about GBCs. Expanding the research scope to other towns and counties, as well as investigating the perceptions and awareness of GBCs among other key stakeholders such as investors and end users, represents crucial areas for further exploration.