Occupants' Satisfaction With Certified Green Residential Buildings: A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Lekki Pearl Estate, Lagos, Nigeria

Certified green buildings aim to improve occupant satisfaction through green features, yet post-occupancy evaluations (POE) in developing countries like Nigeria remain scarce. This study investigates occupants' perception, satisfaction, and challenges with green features in Lekki Pearl Estate, a EDGE-certified residential development in Lagos. Data were collected from71 respondents (71% response rate) out of 100 through questionnaires and were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, ranks) and inferential statistics (chi-square). The result reveal high awareness and satisfaction with energy efficiency (mean = 4.04), ranked 1st, followed closely by indoor air quality (mean = 4.01, 2nd) and water efficiency (mean = 3.96, 3rd) but lower satisfaction with natural ventilation (mean = 3.34, 10th) and waste management (mean = 3.61, 9th). Overall, 79% prefer green over conventional buildings, though only 23% report >75% satisfaction. The chi-square test confirmed a statistically significant relationship between certified green buildings and occupant satisfaction (χ² = 26.82, p < 0.001), validating the positive impact of certification on user experience and rejecting the null hypothesis which confirms the impact of green features on satisfaction. Challenges identified include limited access to advanced technological tools and insufficient funding, while solutions emphasize the need for increased stakeholder collaboration and public awareness. This research highlights the importance of continued evaluation and enhancement of green building practices to optimize occupant satisfaction and overall building performance.