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Application of green building concepts and technologies for sustainable building development in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana

Lee Felix Anzagira (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, Ghana)
Daniel Duah (Department of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
Edward Badu (Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
Eric Kwame Simpeh (Centre for Settlements Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
Samuel Amos-Abanyie (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)
Alexander Marful (Department of Architecture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

Open House International

ISSN: 0168-2601

Article publication date: 5 April 2022

Issue publication date: 19 August 2022

338

Abstract

Purpose

Green building (GB) is globally acclaimed as the most formidable solution to the adverse effects that buildings and construction activities have on the climate and environment. Nonetheless, current evidence suggests that the adoption of GB in developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is at a snail’s pace and characterized by the absence of GB codes and frameworks. This paper aims to determine the current level of adoption and implementation of GB concepts and technologies in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory method of investigation involving a quantitative approach was used to achieve the objectives of this study. A literature review was conducted, and a questionnaire survey was conducted among 292 stakeholders in the GCI. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as other quantitative analysis techniques.

Findings

The analysis revealed that the five most applied green building technologies (GBTs) are technologies for optimizing site planning, building orientation and configuration, use of natural ventilation, integrative use of natural lighting with electric lighting systems, application of energy-efficient lighting systems and use of permeable paving: low-traffic areas. Notably, the majority of the GBTs belong to the energy-efficiency technologies category.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate that GBTs are gaining momentum in Ghana and that there is a need for ongoing research to develop new and more environmentally friendly building technologies to aid in the preservation of our society and natural resources to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 12 and 13.

Originality/value

In effect, this study will enhance the awareness of GB development and contribute to the GB body of knowledge, particularly in the context of developing countries. It would also be useful to the GCI’s contribution to achieving the UN SDGs.

Keywords

Citation

Anzagira, L.F., Duah, D., Badu, E., Simpeh, E.K., Amos-Abanyie, S. and Marful, A. (2022), "Application of green building concepts and technologies for sustainable building development in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana", Open House International, Vol. 47 No. 3, pp. 408-427. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-02-2022-0054

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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