BARRIERS TO IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The global imperative to address climate change has intensified the focus on sustainable practices, particularly within the built environment. As architects strive to integrate energy-efficient strategies into their projects, a myriad of barriers emerge, hindering the seamless adoption of such measures. This paper investigates and analyses the challenges that impede the effective implementation of design strategies for energy efficiency in various architectural contexts. Drawing from an extensive literature review, this research identifies key barriers, encompassing technological, economic, regulatory, and socio-cultural dimensions. The study employs structured questionnaires administered to industry professionals, architects to discern prevalent obstacles and their relative significance. The results revealed that technological barriers, technical barriers and financial barriers are the three most prominent barriers to implementing design strategies in Nigeria. Majority of the respondents agree that there are drawbacks to implementing sustainable strategies for energy efficiency in Nigeria. In response to these challenges, the paper proposes a comprehensive framework for overcoming barriers, emphasizing collaborative efforts among designers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The innovative solutions presented include the development of supportive policies, financial incentives, and targeted educational programs to create an enabling environment for widespread adoption.