Assessing the Current Level of Implementation and Technology Adoption of Sustainable Building Practices in Public Buildings in the Northeast, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the current level of implementation and technology adoption of sustainable building practices in public buildings across Northeastern Nigeria, with a focus on Gombe, Adamawa, and Bauchi states. Using a mixed-method approach, a literature review identified key sustainable practices and technologies, while a structured electronic questionnaire collected responses from 140 registered construction professionals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Kendall's W test. Findings show moderate familiarity with sustainable construction concepts (mean = 3.46), with professionals more engaged in information-seeking than in formal training (mean = 3.01) or direct project involvement (mean = 2.83). Implementation is highest for optimised building orientation, indoor environmental quality, and energy efficiency, while advanced measures such as green roofs and lifecycle assessments are rare. LED lighting and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are the most adopted technologies, with minimal uptake of greywater recycling and green roof systems. The results reveal an awareness–implementation gap, highlighting the need for training, incentives, and stronger regulatory enforcement.