Open AccessAwareness, benefits and drawbacks of net zero energy building practices: construction industry professional’s perceptions
Author(s) -
David O. Nduka,
A. N. Ede,
Kehinde D. Oyeyemi,
O. M. Olofinnade
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/640/1/012026
Subject(s) - zero energy building , clarity , environmental economics , business , renewable energy , environmental resource management , vulnerability (computing) , efficient energy use , engineering , environmental science , computer science , economics , biochemistry , chemistry , computer security , electrical engineering
In a bid to overcome climate change and global warming, the adoption of net zero energy building (nZEB) practices in construction projects has become a viable measure of reducing energy consumption and CO 2 emissions in buildings. nZEB is a facility with a significantly lowered energy needs such that the rest of the energy requirements can be supplied by on-site or off-site renewable technologies. The present study therefore investigated the awareness, benefits and challenges confronting the actualization of nZEB in Nigeria construction industry. A cross sectional survey design was adopted wherein a close ended questionnaire was purposively administered online to construction industry professionals who have understanding of nZEB initiatives. Descriptive statistical tests were conducted, with the results showing about 9% and 25% of the selected professionals been not aware of nZEB concepts and have not been involved in the concept in their professional career. Further details revealed that reduction in the land use effect, reduction in vulnerability of power infrastructures to vandalism and economic competitiveness were dominant benefits of nZEB practices. However, low return on investment, conflict with public policy regulation and policy clarity, lack of evaluation and valuation processes were perceived as the top hindering factors to nZEB practices. The implication for practice is for construction stakeholders to participate and develop effective implementation strategies towards nZEB for could be ecological and economical friendly.