A Critical Review of the Materials Criteria in Green Building Certification Systems in South- West Nigeria: Opportunities for Improvement

The building sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with operational and embodied emissions posing substantial challenges. In Nigeria, particularly in the South West region, awareness of green construction is growing, but the adoption of international green building certification systems remains limited. This study critically examines the material criteria within these systems as applied in South West Nigeria, aiming to identify barriers to certification uptake and propose adaptations. Using qualitative content analysis and comparative case studies of certified and culturally significant buildings in Lagos, the research highlights the misalignment between international standards and local realities, including the lack of local LCA databases, high certification costs, and cultural preferences. Findings reveal that while projects like Heritage Place achieve international certification, they face data and supply challenges. In contrast, the John Randle Centre demonstrates the potential of integrating indigenous materials and vernacular design strategies to achieve sustainable outcomes without formal certification. The study concludes that a hybrid approach blending international standards with local knowledge is essential for advancing green building practices in the region. Recommendations include developing local LCA databases, simplifying documentation protocols, implementing tiered fee structures, integrating vernacular performance metrics, and promoting capacity building and policy incentives.