Assessing green building practices: A case study of Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria

Green building practices offer sustainable solutions to environmental and social challenges in construction. However, their adaptation to regions with unique climatic and socio-economic conditions, such as Ozoro in Delta State, Nigeria, remains underexplored. This study evaluates green building practices in Ozoro, focusing on energy efficiency, water management, and occupant health. A mixed-methods approach, involving surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, was used to assess the awareness and adoption of sustainable construction methods. Results indicate limited awareness of green practices, with the most adopted being energy-efficient lighting (91%) and natural ventilation (37%). Barriers include unreliable energy infrastructure, low adoption of solar panels and rainwater harvesting, and inadequate waste management practices. Interviews highlight the need for increased public education, policy support, and the integration of local materials to enhance sustainability. The findings contribute to addressing the gap in sustainable development research by proposing tailored strategies to promote green building adoption in tropical environments like Ozoro.