Drivers of Green Building Strategies Adoption in High-Rise Office Projects in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract: Green Building Design Strategies (GBDS) offer significant environmental and operational benefits in high-rise office buildings. However, their adoption in Lagos remains inconsistent. This study identifies the key drivers influencing architects' adoption of GBDS in high-rise office projects, drawing from empirical evidence and professional practices in Lagos. The study adopts a mixed-methods design involving 344 architects and 12 expert interviews. Quantitative analysis employed Relative Importance Index (RII), chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics. RII results indicate high knowledge levels for sustainable materials (0.74), energy-efficient lighting (0.73), and passive cooling strategies (0.73), while technological strategies remain less adopted (0.70). Chi-square analysis revealed strong associations between knowledge and adoption of GBDS (χ² = 358.703, p < 0.001). Qualitative insights clarified contextual, economic, regulatory, and training-related drivers. Key drivers of GBDS adoption include professional knowledge, cost considerations, client awareness, regulatory weaknesses, poor enforcement, availability of skilled labour, and climatic responsiveness. Strategies requiring minimal technological input—especially passive design—showed higher adoption, while they were technologically limited due to cost, expertise gaps, and unclear policy direction. The study highlights the need for targeted professional training, financial incentives, and strengthened policy frameworks to enhance GBDS adoption in high-rise design. Insights support architects, policymakers, and developers seeking to improve sustainable design outcomes in emerging urban contexts. This study revealed how contextual realities shape sustainable design practices in Nigeria’s commercial architecture sector.