Embodied energy minimisation techniques towards sustainable construction: A case study of Nigerian construction industry

Abstract. The principle of the embodied energy (EE) has drawn greater attention by various professionals within the construction industry. This is in line with the sustainable development goal (SDG), towards minimisation of environmental footprints caused by construction activities. Thus, a paradigm shift is important in light of the continuous efforts towards embrasing a less embodied energy structures by Nigerian construction professionals. To contribute to the cause for sustainable construction by reducing the EE impacts, this study investigates the EE minimisation techniques in the Nigerian construction industry. This prompt the identification of numerous EE minimisation techniques from literatures from four categories consisting of design, material management, manufacturing and policy makers’ considerations. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey consisting of 105 was conducted to gather insight from the Nigerian construction processionals. The findings indicate that design for deconstruction and selecting low embodied energy material are the most significant design factors towards achieving building with low embodied energy. The material management factors are: using energy efficient material, substitution for bio-based material and distance in transporting material.