Renewable energy sources and technologies in commercial buildings

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and experiences of building practitioners in the adoption of renewable energy (RE) in commercial buildings in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used guided by the principles of the Grounded Theory Method (GTM). Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of five industry practitioners. Findings Five distinct factors emerged, namely, being compliant, change in mindset, normalising, being autonomous and identity. The research revealed the significance of contextual (cultural) peculiarities and the role identity plays in informing RE adoption. The findings substantiate the significance of RE adoption in the future practice of building practitioners and in ensuring environmental stability within the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) context. Research limitations/implications The study focuses on commercial office buildings and attempts to provide contextual grounding to inform theory generation as part of a wider study. Originality/value This research contributes methodologically and empirically by providing grounded insight into the adoption of RE in commercial buildings. Thereby, enabling a much greater understanding of the issues associated with enhanced promotion and adoption by professionals and stakeholders, which can inform policy interventions. Furthermore, it will benefit further research within the SSA context and provide valuable lessons associated with adopting GTM in construction research.

Adaptability capacity framework for sustainable practices in the Ghanaian construction industry

“…These SC practices include using indigenous building materials locally rather than transporting construction materials to the site from a more extended or "cross-country" Adaptability capacity framework distance which may contain hazardous substances to human health (Li et al, 2012;Mensah, 2017). Unuigbe et al (2020) admit that applying appropriate technology through research to develop materials that would suit the local environment is a factor that works perfectly with the pressure and release model. According to the resilience concept, the improvement of affordable natural ecological cycled materials such as bamboo is a plus.…”

Exploring Factors Influencing Renewable Energy Diffusion in Commercial Buildings in Nigeria: A Grounded Theory Approach

“…Research into RET and its potential for building adoption in the Nigerian built environment is not new; however, the available literature is primarily limited in focus to the adoption of PV in the residential sector, or RETs more broadly from a national perspective [31,39,50]. From a residential sector perspective, studies have mostly focused on small-scale, decentralised, standalone power generation for rural use [41,51,52].…”

“…The study by Unuigbe et al (2020) is the only empirical study identified that sought to investigate REs within the commercial sector. Although it did not generate a theory, it identified cultural-related factors as significant for informing the adoption of RE beyond economic and technical factors often identified in the literature.…”

Challenges to energy transitioning in commercial buildings in the Nigerian built environment – from generator to RETs economy

“…As well as a growth in office developments due to expanding global markets (Usman et al, 2019). For instance, Unuigbe et al, (2020) note that this is due in part to how they are designed and used, with multiple generators operating as both the main and backup supply over long periods. Generators account for over 90% of the energy supply in organisations (Anyanele et al, 2019).…”

“…Some research articles were already published in journals, such as Unuigbe et al (2020), Usman, et al (2019), andAdejoro (2017), which are closely related to the authors' paper. The author(s) did not, however, review and provide the key findings of those articles in the paper.…”