Utilization of Sustainable Building Rating Tools in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Sustainable building rating tools (SBRTs) are essential for assessing the environmental impact of buildings, continuously evolving to meet the needs of users. In Nigeria, the effectiveness of these tools depends on their ability to meet the country’s sustainable building standards and environmental goals. While adopting sustainable building rating tools is crucial for realizing the benefits of sustainable construction, little is known about their actual utilization in the Nigerian construction industry. This research aims to (1) assess the level of awareness and utilization of sustainable building rating tools among diverse stakeholders—including architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, developers, contractors, and suppliers—within Nigeria’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, and (2) explore drivers and barriers to their use. The study adopts an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, starting with a survey of 98 Nigerian building professionals, followed by qualitative analysis. Results show that while 72.4% were aware of SBRTs, only 39.8% had used them, highlighting a gap between awareness and application. Utilization was higher among professionals with greater experience, income, and education. Barriers included high certification costs, tool complexity, and socio-economic factors, while key drivers were government regulations and environmental benefits. The study calls for targeted education, tool simplification, and financial incentives to boost adoption and promote sustainable construction in Nigeria.