Understanding Sustainability in Building Construction

Abstract

Construction industry makes a significant contribution to the growth and development of every economy by providing infrastructure for productive ventures, shelter to the citizens and generating employment to people at different levels of knowledge and skills. It is the backbone of economic development globally. The construction industry can be vibrant when technologies, systems, materials and the processes are of quality standards. Issues of energy consumption, wastage, water and air pollution threatens the health and safety of the people as well as the built environment. The sustainability will not be feasible when the Construction industry have performed below expectations evident by high rate of building collapses, non-compliance of health and safety, loss of lives and properties as well as lack of standards and quality infrastructure for economic development. This has greatly affected the living standards of an average Nigerian. Therefore, understanding sustainable building construction is hinge to pivot development in the construction sector. The method used for the research is exploratory based on relevant literature survey for better understanding of the sustainable building construction. The study concludes that maximizing the use of efficient building material and construction practices, optimizes the use of onsite resources and use of renewable sources of energy, use efficient waste management practices and provide comfortable and hygienic indoor working conditions.