Assessment of Sustainable Materials Specification in Working Drawings within the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract: As the global construction sector moves toward environmentally responsible practices, the specification of sustainable materials in technical documentation has become crucial. In Nigeria, where the construction industry contributes over 60 percent of national capital projects but relies on outdated documentation practices, working drawings play a central role in translating sustainability goals into built form. This study used a quantitative survey of 605 construction professionals across five Nigerian regions to assess the extent and clarity of sustainable material specifications in working drawings. Results show that 78 percent of working drawings either fail to specify sustainable materials or do so vaguely, while only 22 percent provide detailed specifications. In addition, 48 percent of smart systems were introduced post-design as site improvisations, highlighting weak pre-construction coordination. Key challenges include the absence of standard templates (67 percent), insufficient training (54 percent), and outdated annotation practices (58 percent). The findings indicate that sustainable material documentation in Nigeria remains fragmented and inconsistent, undermining green construction goals. This research provides empirical evidence to an under-explored area of construction practice, contributes to knowledge in architectural documentation and construction management, and offers insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and academics seeking to improve standardization, training, and regulatory frameworks.