Barriers of Sustainable Green Building Construction in West Africa

Environmental concerns in the construction sector are intensifying in West Africa with rising urbanization and infrastructural development. Hence there is an urgent need for sustainable building approaches. Despite its numerous advantages to the community, economy and the environment, very few green buildings are being created in the area. Based on Ghana and Nigeria, this paper reviews the available research to identify the major barriers to the development of sustainable buildings in West Africa. The qualitative study was conducted using a systematic literature review approach. Scholarly journal articles, conference proceedings, business reports and other worldwide publications obtained from significant academic databases were employed. The research reveals four major challenges for green building uptake, including cultural, financial, professional (capacity) and steering (policy and governance). Cultural obstacles include weak business demand, unwillingness to adapt and lack of public understanding. The key reasons for financial obstacles include high hurdles to entry, restricted availability of financing, and misunderstandings about lifetime costs. Inadequate training, restricted skill sets and insufficient technical knowledge collectively act as professional hurdles for industry professionals. Key challenges include insufficient government backing, inadequate regulatory frameworks and lack of effective enforcement procedures and incentives. The study finds that the better transition to sustainable construction practices in West Africa is dependent on the better coordination of the government policies, the increased capacity building of the professionals, the public awareness and the stakeholders’ participation.