Sustainable construction adoption in a developing economy: the role of institutional pressures, organisational capacity and lifecycle cost orientation in Nigeria

Purpose This study examines the implementation, perceived effectiveness and cost implications of sustainable construction adoption in Nigeria, integrating institutional theory and the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework to explain adoption patterns within a developing economy context. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 366 construction professionals in Lagos State yielded 225 valid responses (61.5% response rate). The validated instrument (Cronbach's α = 0.949) assessed implementation levels, perceived effectiveness and cost implications of sustainable practices. Data were analysed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Pearson correlation. Findings Sustainable materials emerged as the most effective practice (RII = 0.94), followed by renewable energy (RII = 0.93) and energy-efficient technologies (RII = 0.92). Implementation was led by energy-efficient technologies (RII = 0.92) and eco-friendly policies (RII = 0.91). A moderate positive but statistically insignificant correlation was found between perceived effectiveness and cost savings (r = 0.474; p = 0.141). Three explanatory mechanisms were identified: institutional legitimacy pressures, organisational capacity constraints and lifecycle-cost orientation deficits. Practical implications Findings inform regulatory reform, capacity-building initiatives and procurement policy redesign in Nigeria and comparable developing economies. Originality/value This study uniquely integrates Institutional Theory and the TOE framework to explain sustainable construction adoption in a developing economy, providing the first quantitative evidence of adoption mechanisms among Nigerian construction professionals.