Assessing The Extent of Passive Energy Strategy Integration into Construction Project Management Practices in Lagos, Nigeria

Integrating passive energy strategies in built projects improve the performance of buildings, especially in warmer and more humid urban environments. However, having an intention of integrating climate responsive designs does not guarantee passive energy strategies are systematically integrated within the construction project management process. This research investigated how passive energy strategies are currently being integrated in construction project management processes in Lagos, Nigeria. A convergent mixed methods approach was used. The questionnaire section employed a cross-sectional survey and the interview section comprised semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was collected from 200 valid respondents in the construction industry. Ten interviews were conducted with experienced professionals. Data analysis involved frequencies, percentages and weighted mean scores of the questionnaire responses. Thematic analysis was undertaken for the interview data. The results show that there is moderate uneven integration of passive energy strategies. There was a higher frequency of high and very high integration at the design stage (70.0%), project planning (65.0%) and project initiation (59.0%). A lower frequency of integration was reported at monitoring stage (56.0%), contractor compliance with passive design requirements (53.0%), project completion (50.0%) and project performance indicators (energy efficiency) (47.0%). The overall mean score for the ten indicators was 3.51 out of five. Results from the interviews also indicated that passive energy strategies are more likely to be integrated at the architectural design stage. Overall, the study shows that passive energy strategies are acknowledged and partially implemented. Recommendations were made to include clear energy requirements, stages for review throughout the project lifecycle, verification at construction stage, clear responsibilities and review at project completion to improve continuity of integration.