Challenges to the adoption of biomimicry as a sustainable approach in the nigerian construction industry

ABSTRACT

Nigeria's construction industry, which mirrors a global trend, actively seeks methods to ensure a sustainable future. Sustainable construction practices have become a focal point for research and development, and biomimicry presents significant potential in achieving this goal. However, despite its advantages, challenges impede its widespread adoption. This study employed a multi-pronged approach, combining an in-depth literature review with descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of data collected through well-structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals. The study of 243 responses, alongside existing literature, suggests that a lack of awareness regarding biomimicry principles presents the primary barrier to its adoption. Furthermore, the identified challenges were categorised into three distinct groups: regulatory, institutional, and attitudinal. To address the challenges of biomimicry adoption in the construction industry, the paper proposes a three-pronged solution: implementing regulatory measures, improving professional practices, and prioritising stakeholder education.

KEYWORDS:

• biomimicry
• challenges
• construction industry
• factor analysis
• sustainable construction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Olusegun Johnson Adekunye

Olusegun Johnson Adekunye, the corresponding author, is affiliated with the Research Group on Sustainable Infrastructure Management Plus (RG-SIM+) at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) in Nigeria. He holds a Master's degree in Quantity Surveying earned in 2022 from FUTA. Before that, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (2018) from the same university, along with a Higher National Diploma (2012) and a National Diploma (2009) from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo, Nigeria. A registered and licensed Quantity Surveyor in Nigeria by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, Mr. Adekunye is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Motivated by his combined experience in construction and research, Olusegun Johnson Adekunye seeks a PhD opportunity in Construction Engineering and Management to pursue further groundbreaking research. His research interests encompass sustainable construction practices, digitalization in construction, safety, and green procurement. You can contact him at [email protected].

Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke

Prof. Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke is an associate professor at the Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria and Research Fellow at University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is an author and a lecturer with several years of teaching and research involvement in higher learning institutions worldwide. Prof Oke is a DGNB International Consultant by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB - German Sustainable Building Council). He won the Best Researcher award during the 2023 Excellence and Productivity Award ceremony at the Federal University of Technology Akure, after recognition as the best lecturer in 2021. He founded the Research Group on Sustainable Infrastructure Management Plus (RGSIM+) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and he is currently the team leader. Prof. Oke's research interest is in sustainable infrastructure management (SIM), emphasising sustainable construction, value management, quantity surveying and construction in the digital era. He is among the top 2% most-cited Scientists in the world in 2023 by Stanford University. With more than 400 publications, including research books, he is among the top 2% most-cited Scientists in the world in 2023 by Stanford University.