Unveiling barriers and proposing strategies for green building practices adoption in Egypt: perspectives primarily from architects and engineers

Abstract Given Egypt’s escalating energy demand, driven by population growth and climate change impacts, the construction sector’s carbon footprint—accounting for approximately 17% of national CO₂ emissions—underscores the urgent need for green building practices (GBPs). GBPs, such as energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials, can reduce emissions by up to 90% through lower material production impacts and operational efficiencies. This study examines barriers to GBP adoption in Egypt’s construction industry, using the technology acceptance model (TAM) to frame perceived usefulness and ease of use. Through a systematic literature review, a survey of 444 practitioners, and interviews with 4 architectural experts, 18 barriers across 6 categories were identified, validated, and ranked. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) confirmed the classifications, revealing policy and financial barriers as critical, with organizational barriers at least significant. The study proposes targeted interventions, such as financial incentives and policy reforms, to enhance GBP uptake, offering a replicable methodology for developing nations and practical recommendations for stakeholders. Limitations include the focus on architects and engineers and a 2-month data collection period, suggesting future longitudinal research.