IMPACT OF SUSTAINABILITY AWARENESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ON CLIMATE-RESPONSIVE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES IN WUDIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of sustainability awareness and environmental concerns on climate-responsive building construction practices in Wudil Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing global and local challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, which necessitate the adoption of sustainable construction practices. A descriptive survey design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 130 respondents comprising building construction professionals and building technology students. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), and Chi-square tests. Findings revealed that while sustainability awareness and environmental concerns are relatively high among respondents, the practical adoption of climate-responsive practices remains moderate. Respondents demonstrated strong concern for climate change and waste management, but challenges such as high costs of eco-friendly materials, inadequate training, poor government incentives, and limited technical exposure constrained implementation. The study established a significant positive relationship between sustainability awareness and the adoption of climate-responsive practices, highlighting the critical role of education and training in fostering sustainable construction. The study concludes that although awareness and concern are increasing, institutional, financial, and policy-related barriers hinder effective practice. It recommends curriculum reform in building technology education, continuous professional development, government incentives for green building, and stronger public sensitization campaigns. By addressing these challenges, the construction industry in Wudil LGA can better align with global sustainable development goals and contribute to climate resilience.
Keywords: Sustainability awareness, environmental concerns, climate-responsive construction, building technology education, Wudil Local Government, sustainable development.
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