Assessing Green Building Practices in Nigerian Hotels Based on LEED Criteria and Certification Standards

The hospitality industry is a major consumer of energy in the built environment, prompting hoteliers to focus on energy conservation strategies. Green building practices aim to reduce and ultimately eliminate the environmental and health impacts of new constructions. This study assesses the integration of LEED’s green building strategies in hotel design in Nigeria, focusing on six key variables: energy efficiency, water efficiency, material conservation, indoor environmental quality, waste management, and land usage/site sustainability. A comparative case study methodology was used, involving four major hotels: Transcorp Hilton Hotel (Abuja), Eko Hotel (Lagos), Sheraton Hotel (Abuja), and Raddison Blu Hotel (Lagos). Data were collected through field observation and a structured checklist, with comparative analysis employed to determine the extent of strategy implementation. The findings reveal significant variations in the adoption of green strategies across the case studies. Transcorp Hilton demonstrated the highest integration, with a score of 63 out of 85, indicating comprehensive implementation of energy-efficient lighting, low VOC materials, local sourcing, and water conservation technologies. The other hotels showed moderate adoption, with scores ranging from 57 to 60. All hotels incorporated basic green features like LED lighting and low-flow fixtures but failed to adopt renewable energy systems, relying instead on diesel generators, which counteract environmental goals. Notably, indoor environmental quality and sustainable site planning were well addressed, while waste management and renewable energy use were minimal. The study concludes that while green strategies are being integrated in hotel design, implementation is uneven and often lacks depth. It recommends greater adoption of renewable energy systems, use of locally sourced materials, and low-impact construction techniques. Architects should guide the process from design to post-occupancy, and hotel operators should improve guest awareness of sustainability efforts to advance eco-conscious hospitality in Nigeria.