Evaluation of the Implementation of Circular Economy and Sustainable Construction Practices in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Abstract Construction activities in Nigeria will continue to affect the environment until sustainable building practices and the circular economy are completely adopted. To identify gaps and areas for improvement and provide practical recommendations that will support the implementation, this study is aimed to evaluate the implementation status of circular economy and sustainable construction practices within the Nigerian construction industry. To accomplish the aims of the study, a structured survey questionnaire was created, validated, and sent online via a Google Form as part of a quantitative research approach. The six portions of this instrument are A, B, C, D, E, and F. The research main conclusions demonstrated that respondents had a high degree of awareness and comprehension of the circular economy and sustainable construction principles; it also emphasised the notable gaps in the use of sustainable building materials, low-level adoption rates of recycling facilities, low-level adoption rates of more advanced technologies such as recycled water, rainwater harvesting systems, and passive solar design. The findings also highlight the strong commitment of the construction industry to easily implemented and cost-effective waste management strategies, energy conservation, and water conservation strategies. The study further emphasises a lack of strict governmental rules and regulations as the main barrier impeding wider adoption of circular economy and sustainable construction methods in the Nigerian construction industry. It is recommended that the government, through various ministries, should play a bigger role in the establishment of policy, incentives, and education, while construction professionals should assume a greater role to empower their clients with knowledge and awareness of the environmental benefits and potential cost savings associated with the circular economy and sustainable construction practices.