Assessing the Impact of Advanced Energy-Efficient Technologies on Sustainability in the Nigerian Construction Sector

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C. O. Unegbu, D. S. Yawas, B. Dan-asabe, bdulmumin .A. Alabi This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study evaluates the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector, with an emphasis on their influence on energy consumption, cost reduction, environmental benefits, and social impacts. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed among 150 construction professionals across Nigeria, achieving an 82% response rate. The analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis to assess the perceptions and impacts of energy-efficient technologies based on different professional roles within the construction industry. Findings indicated that energy-efficient technologies substantially reduce energy consumption and operational costs, with most respondents reporting significant savings. Environmental impacts were also positively noted, with substantial reductions in carbon emissions aligning with global sustainability objectives. However, the study identified a less pronounced recognition of the social benefits of these technologies, suggesting a potential area for increased advocacy and education. Significant differences in perceptions across job roles highlighted the need for role-specific educational programs to harmonize understanding and implementation practices. Advanced energy-efficient technologies are crucial for enhancing sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector. The study underscores the need for comprehensive educational and policy initiatives to fully leverage these technologies for economic, environmental, and social benefits Earth and environmental sciences/Climate sciences Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences Physical sciences/Energy science and technology Physical sciences/Engineering Energy efficiency Sustainability Construction Industry Construction Projects Environmental Impact Social Benefit Economic Impacts. 1. Introduction The Nigerian construction industry is a vital component of the national economy, significantly contributing to economic development through job creation, infrastructure development, and stimulation of other sectors. In terms of economic contribution, the construction sector accounted for about 4% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of the latest reports from the National Bureau of Statistics ( 2020 ). This sector not only contributes directly to the national output but also has a multiplier effect on other sectors due to its extensive supply chains and demand for raw materials, labor, and services. Significantly, the construction industry in Nigeria is instrumental in addressing the country's infrastructural needs, which include critical projects in roads, bridges, airports, and urban development. These projects are essential for improving the country's logistics and connectivity, thereby facilitating easier movement and business operations (Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, 2021 ). Additionally, the industry's growth is catalyzed by public sector investments, with the Nigerian government often prioritizing infrastructure in its fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth (Federal Ministry of Finance, 2019 ). Employment generation is another crucial aspect of the construction industry's role in the economy. The sector employs millions of Nigerians, both directly and indirectly, and is particularly important in rural areas where large-scale projects provide jobs and spur economic activities (Adeyemi and Ojo, 2018 ). These employment opportunities range from skilled labor positions to administrative and managerial roles, encompassing a wide array of skill sets and contributing to human capital development. Despite its significant contributions, the Nigerian construction sector faces several challenges, including high costs of construction materials, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and policy inconsistencies. These challenges often lead to project delays and increased costs, impacting overall sector performance (Oke, Aghimien, and Ogunsemi, 2017 ). Furthermore, the sector's development is increasingly tied to the adoption of sustainable and innovative construction technologies. Such advancements are essential for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of construction projects, aligning with global environmental standards and reducing the ecological footprint of construction activities (Ejohwomu and Proverbs, 2019 ). In conclusion, the Nigerian construction industry plays a foundational role in the nation's economy, influencing economic development, employment, and infrastructural enhancement. Despite facing several significant challenges, its strategic importance continues to drive national policy and investment, underscoring its pivotal role in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape. Energy efficiency in the Nigerian construction sector is fraught with numerous challenges that hinder its integration into mainstream building practices. Despite the critical role of energy efficiency in reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, the sector struggles with several systemic issues. Firstly, there is a significant lack of awareness and expertise regarding energy-efficient building practices among professionals in Nigeria’s construction industry. Many engineers, architects, and builders are not sufficiently trained in the latest energy-efficient technologies and methods, which impacts their ability to implement such practices effectively (Adebayo & Adeola, 2020 ). Secondly, the Nigerian construction sector is hampered by inadequate regulatory frameworks that do not enforce energy efficiency standards rigorously. Existing regulations on energy conservation are often poorly implemented, if at all, leading to a widespread non-compliance in the industry (Okoye et al., 2019 ). Without stringent enforcement and incentives, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies remains limited. Financial constraints also pose a significant barrier to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in construction. The initial costs associated with energy-efficient materials and technologies are generally higher than those for conventional materials, deterring investment from both private and public sectors (Olawumi & Chan, 2018 ). Moreover, the lack of accessible financing options for energy efficiency projects further exacerbates this challenge, as many developers and homeowners are unable or unwilling to invest in high upfront costs for long-term gains. Additionally, there is a notable scarcity of data on energy consumption and savings potential within the sector, which complicates efforts to assess the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures and to plan appropriately. The absence of detailed and reliable data makes it difficult for stakeholders to make informed decisions or to benchmark their energy performance against industry standards (Idowu et al., 2021 ). Finally, the reliance on imported technologies and materials for energy-efficient construction can be problematic due to fluctuating exchange rates and import restrictions. This reliance not only increases the cost but also affects the availability of suitable technologies, thereby limiting the sector's capacity to adopt international best practices (Ezekoka & Ezeokoli, 2020 ). The adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the construction sector is of paramount importance for sustainable development. This adoption aligns with global efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the built environment, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption (Oyedepo, 2017 ). Energy efficiency in construction not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances economic sustainability by reducing energy costs for building owners and users. Over the lifecycle of a building, energy-efficient technologies can significantly decrease operating costs, contributing to long-term savings and financial viability (Ajayi et al., 2016 ). This economic advantage provides a compelling case for developers and investors to prioritize energy efficiency in their projects. Furthermore, the integration of energy-efficient technologies improves the quality of life for occupants. These technologies often contribute to better indoor environmental quality, including optimal thermal comfort, adequate lighting, and improved air quality, which are crucial for the health and well-being of building users (Menezes et al., 2019 ). As urban populations continue to grow, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, the demand for such quality living conditions is expected to rise. The push for energy efficiency also stimulates innovation in the construction sector by encouraging the development and implementation of new materials, technologies, and practices. This innovation can lead to the creation of new industries or the expansion of existing ones, fostering economic development and job creation within the local economy (Opoku and Ahmed, 2014 ). Moreover, adopting energy-efficient technologies is critical for meeting international environmental commitments and standards. As countries strive to meet targets set by global agreements such as the Paris Agreement, improving energy efficiency in the construction sector becomes a crucial part of their strategies (United Nations Environment Programme, 2018 ). However, achieving widespread adoption of these technologies requires addressing the current barriers, including the initial cost, lack of awareness, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. Therefore, research into effective strategies for promoting energy efficiency is essential for overcoming these obstacles and realizing the full potential of sustainable construction practices. The primary goal of this research is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the construction sector. This involves assessing several key aspects: firstly, the reduction in energy consumption achieved by integrating these technologies into construction projects, which directly relates to the energy conservation benefits of such technologies (Thollander & Palm, 2015 ). Secondly, the study aims to analyze the economic implications, including long-term cost savings, factoring in initial investments, maintenance expenses, and overall lifecycle costs of implementing energy-efficient solutions (Allouhi et al., 2015 ). Additionally, the research will measure the environmental benefits, particularly the reduction in carbon emissions, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals and examining the sector’s contribution to these objectives (Ürge-Vorsatz et al., 2018 ). The study will also explore the social benefits, such as improved indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort, along with the socioeconomic impacts, including job creation and skill development that result from the adoption of advanced technologies (Opoku & Ahmed, 2014 ). Finally, identifying the barriers and drivers that affect the uptake of these technologies in the construction industry is crucial. This will aid in understanding the challenges and enablers within the industry, providing insights necessary for fostering wider adoption of energy-efficient practices (Oladiran & Otali, 2017 ). 2. Literature Review 2.1 Overview of Energy Efficient Concepts and Importance Energy efficiency refers to the practice of using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same outcome, thereby reducing energy waste. This concept is crucial in both environmental and economic contexts, as it directly contributes to reducing the consumption of energy resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions (Pérez-Lombard et al., 2008 ). In the realm of construction and building management, energy efficiency involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of building systems that use energy in the most productive manner possible. This includes the implementation of technologies and practices that reduce the energy required for heating, cooling, lighting, and other building operations (Thollander & Palm, 2015 ). The importance of energy efficiency in this sector is underscored by the significant proportion of global energy used by buildings, which is estimated at approximately 40% of total worldwide energy consumption (International Energy Agency, 2020 ). From an environmental perspective, enhancing energy efficiency is seen as one of the most cost-effective methods for mitigating climate change. Through the reduction of energy demand, less fossil fuel is burned for power generation, which leads to a direct reduction in carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions (Ürge-Vorsatz et al., 2018 ). Consequently, energy efficiency is integral to national and global efforts to meet emissions reduction targets under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Economically, energy efficiency reduces the cost burden on consumers and businesses by lowering utility bills and decreasing the need for energy infrastructure investments. It also contributes to energy security by diminishing the overall demand for energy and reducing dependence on imported fuels, which can be subject to volatile prices and supply disruptions (Allouhi et al., 2015 ). Moreover, the push for energy efficiency drives innovation and job creation in the energy sector. New technologies and methods need to be developed, manufactured, installed, and maintained, which creates new opportunities within the economy (Rosenow & Eyre, 2016 ). Additionally, energy efficiency improvements often lead to enhanced comfort and health outcomes for building occupants, due to better thermal regulation and reduced air pollutants from combustion processes. 2.2 Review of Past Research on Energy Efficiency in Construction Research into energy efficiency within the construction sector has become increasingly crucial due to its significant impact on both environmental sustainability and economic viability. This body of research spans several decades and encompasses various themes, including technological innovations, policy impacts, and the socio-economic barriers to adoption. Initial studies predominantly focused on the technological aspects of energy efficiency. For example, early research by Hasan et al. ( 2008 ) demonstrated the potential of thermal insulation and efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption in buildings significantly. These studies laid the groundwork for understanding the direct correlation between advanced construction materials and energy conservation (Hasan et al., 2008 ). Further exploration into passive design strategies has also been significant. Researchers like Bojic et al. ( 2011 ) have investigated how architectural elements such as building orientation, window-to-wall ratios, and shading devices can naturally reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling, thereby conserving energy (Bojic et al., 2011 ). On the policy front, considerable research has evaluated the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks. Gillingham et al. ( 2009 ) provided a critical analysis of policy instruments like energy performance certifications and green labels that aim to incentivize energy-efficient practices among builders and consumers alike. Their findings indicate that while these policies raise awareness, their success often depends on robust enforcement and continuous adaptation to technological advancements (Gillingham et al., 2009 ). Socio-economic and institutional barriers have also been extensively studied. Research by Qian and Chan ( 2010 ) highlighted several obstacles, including the initial high cost of energy-efficient technologies, lack of skilled professionals, and fragmented nature of the construction industry, which hinder the broader adoption of sustainable practices (Qian & Chan, 2010 ). This line of inquiry has spurred further studies into innovative financing models and educational programs to address these challenges (Oladokun et al., 2016 ). Recent studies have shifted focus towards the integration of smart technologies in construction. Innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automated energy management systems are being examined for their potential to enhance energy efficiency through better design, construction, and operational practices. Zhao and Magoulès ( 2012 ) reviewed the adoption of these technologies, noting their transformative impact on building performance analysis and energy optimization (Zhao & Magoulès, 2012 ). 2.3 Energy Efficient Technologies The construction industry worldwide is increasingly leveraging energy-efficient technologies to meet sustainability targets, improve building performance, and reduce operational costs. These technologies range from advanced materials to sophisticated systems that control energy use. This discussion explores several key technologies and evaluates their potential adaptability within the Nigerian context. High-performance insulation materials, such as aerogels and vacuum insulation panels, represent one of the significant advancements in the field. These materials offer exceptionally high thermal resistance and are much thinner than traditional insulation, making them ideal for urban settings in Nigeria where space is at a premium. The adoption of these materials could substantially reduce the cooling demands in Nigeria’s hot climate, leading to significant energy savings (Cuce et al., 2014 ). Smart windows and glazing technologies that adapt to changing environmental conditions can also play a crucial role in optimizing indoor climates while minimizing reliance on HVAC systems. Technologies like electrochromic and thermochromic windows adjust their transparency to manage solar gain, aligning well with Nigeria’s diverse climate zones to effectively reduce energy consumption associated with air conditioning (Granqvist et al., 2015 ). Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are another innovative solution where photovoltaic materials are integrated directly into building components such as roofs, facades, and windows. This integration not only generates on-site renewable energy but also replaces conventional building materials. With Nigeria’s high levels of solar irradiance, BIPV could significantly offset energy demand, particularly in areas with limited power supply (Kylili et al., 2015 ). Additionally, LED lighting technology, which consumes significantly less energy than traditional lighting solutions, presents a straightforward yet effective method for enhancing energy efficiency. Transitioning to LED technology in both residential and commercial settings could drastically reduce the energy load from lighting in Nigeria, a critical factor given the frequent power outages (Tsoutsos et al., 2016 ). Energy Recovery Systems like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are effective in air-conditioned environments, especially in managing indoor air quality without a substantial energy penalty. These systems could be particularly beneficial in Nigeria’s commercial and educational buildings, where good ventilation is necessary alongside cooling (Costa et al., 2015 ). Finally, green roofs and walls not only provide insulation and reduce urban heat island effects but also manage stormwater, which can be particularly beneficial in metropolitan areas like Lagos and Abuja. These technologies contribute to urban sustainability by enhancing building performance and improving the local microclimate (Perini & Rosasco, 2013 ). 2.4 Sustainability in Construction and Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability within the construction sector, addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The integration of energy-efficient technologies and practices in construction projects significantly reduces energy consumption, which is directly linked to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This reduction is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts, aligning with global sustainability goals (International Energy Agency, 2020 ). From an environmental perspective, energy-efficient buildings require less energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operational needs, leading to a substantial decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels and a reduction in carbon emissions (Chu & Majumdar, 2012 ). Moreover, energy efficiency in construction often involves the use of sustainable materials that are durable, recyclable, and sourced through responsible supply chains, further diminishing the environmental footprint of building projects (Zuo & Zhao, 2014 ). Economically, energy efficiency contributes to sustainability by reducing the long-term operational costs of buildings. Energy-efficient buildings typically incur lower utility costs, which can significantly affect the overall affordability and marketability of real estate. Furthermore, investments in energy-efficient technologies stimulate job creation in new sectors, such as renewable energy installations and green building certifications, thus driving economic growth (Scott et al., 2018 ). Socially, energy efficiency enhances the quality of life for occupants. Buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind often provide better air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting. These factors contribute to healthier living and working environments, which are associated with increased productivity and well-being. Additionally, energy-efficient buildings can alleviate energy poverty by lowering utility bills, particularly important in regions with high energy costs or limited access to energy resources (Khan et al., 2017 ). Despite these benefits, the adoption of energy-efficient practices in construction is often hindered by high initial costs, lack of awareness, inadequate policy frameworks, and technical challenges in integrating new technologies with existing infrastructures. Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts from government, industry, and academia to promote policies that incentivize energy-efficient construction, enhance public and professional education on sustainability practices, and foster research and development in green technologies (Opoku & Ahmed, 2014 ). 2.5 Research Gaps The research landscape surrounding energy efficiency in the construction sector is extensive yet reveals several critical gaps that need further exploration to enhance understanding and implementation of sustainable practices. One significant gap is the limited empirical data on the long-term performance of energy-efficient technologies in various climatic zones within developing countries, including Nigeria. Most studies focus on immediate or short-term efficiencies, often neglecting long-term sustainability and performance degradation over time (Smith et al., 2018 ). Another noticeable research gap is the socio-economic impacts of adopting energy-efficient technologies. While the environmental benefits are frequently studied, there is a lesser focus on how these technologies affect the socio-economic fabric of communities, particularly in terms of local job creation, skill development, and economic resilience (Johnson & Mattsson, 2019 ). Furthermore, the adaptation of international energy-saving technologies to local contexts is often under-researched. There is a need for more studies on the customization and scalability of such technologies to suit local materials, labor skills, and climatic conditions (Li et al., 2020 ). Additionally, the financial aspects of implementing energy-efficient technologies are not sufficiently addressed in the literature. There is a scarcity of comprehensive cost-benefit analyses that include factors such as financial risk, return on investment under different economic conditions, and the impact of policy changes on the financial viability of energy-efficient investments (Ochoa & Shah, 2018 ). Moreover, research often overlooks the psychological and behavioral aspects of energy efficiency, such as user behavior's impact on the actual energy performance of buildings. The discrepancy between projected and actual energy savings can be substantial, yet the influence of occupant behavior is not adequately studied in energy modeling or policy formulation (D'Oca et al., 2017 ). 3. Methodology 3.1 Research Design: Description of the Research Approach and Design The research design for this study is structured around a quantitative approach, which is ideal for systematically measuring the impact of energy-efficient technologies on sustainability within the construction sector. This approach will allow for the collection of numerical data that can be statistically analyzed to assess and compare the effectiveness of various technologies. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to collect data at a single point in time. This design is chosen because it provides a snapshot of the effects of energy-efficient technologies across different projects, facilitating the identification of patterns and correlations (Creswell, 2014 ). The target population for this study consist of ongoing construction projects within Nigeria that incorporate energy-efficient technologies. These projects were identified through a combination of industry contacts, professional associations, and construction databases. Given the vast scope of the construction industry in Nigeria, a sample size of 150 projects were selected. This sample size is statistically significant to ensure that the results are generalizable to the wider population of construction projects in Nigeria (Israel, 2013 ). The sampling method was stratified random sampling, where projects are first categorized based on their type (residential, commercial, industrial) and location (urban, rural), and then randomly selected within each category to ensure a representative sample across different project types and geographical areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires distributed to project managers and site engineers involved in the selected projects. These questionnaires included both closed-ended and Likert-scale questions designed to quantify levels of energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and perceived sustainability impacts. Below is the questionnaire designed for the study on the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the construction sector. This questionnaire useda five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). The questionnaire is divided into sections with at least 10 questions per section, including a section for demographic information. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents electronically. Table 1 Questionnaire for Assessing Energy-Efficient Technologies in Construction SN Question Demography 1 What is your age? (Open-ended) 2 What is your gender? (1. Male, 2. Female, 3. Other) 3 What is your highest level of education? (1. High school diploma, 2. Bachelor’s degree, 3. Master’s degree, 4. PhD or higher, 5. Other) 5 What is your job role? (1. Project Manager, 2. Site Engineer, 3. Architect, 4. Other Construction Professional, 5. Administrative/Support Staff) 6 How many years of experience do you have in the construction industry? (1. Less than 2 years, 2. 2–5 years, 3. 5–10 years, 4. 10–20 years, 5. More than 20 years) 7 What type of construction projects do you primarily work on? (1. Residential, 2. Commercial, 3. Industrial, 4. Infrastructure, 5. Other) 8 What is the size of your organization? (1. 1–50 employees, 2. 51–200 employees, 3. 201–500 employees, 4. 501–1000 employees, 5. More than 1000 employees) 9 What region of Nigeria is your project located in? (1. North, 2. South, 3. East, 4. West, 5. Central) 10 How many projects incorporating energy-efficient technologies have you been involved in? (1. None, 2. 1–3 projects, 3. 4–7 projects, 4. 8–12 projects, 5. More than 12 projects) Energy Consumption 11 I believe that energy-efficient technologies significantly reduce the energy consumption of projects. 12 The projects I’ve been involved with have documented energy savings from using advanced technologies. 13 Energy monitoring systems are regularly used in my projects to track energy savings. 14 The use of energy-efficient technologies contributes to lower utility bills for the end users. 15 Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) are effectively integrated into our projects. 16 Energy-efficient practices are a priority from the planning stage of our projects. 17 Clients often request energy consumption data before project approval. 18 There is a significant difference in energy consumption between projects that use energy-efficient technologies and those that do not. 19 Energy-efficient lighting and appliances are standard in projects I work on. 20 The adoption of green building certifications (like LEED, Green Star) influences our project's energy consumption. Cost Savings 21 Initial cost concerns are a significant barrier to adopting energy-efficient technologies. 22 The long-term cost savings justify the initial higher costs of energy-efficient technologies. 23 Financial incentives (tax breaks, subsidies) are necessary to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. 24 Clients are aware of the cost benefits of energy-efficient technologies. 25 Energy-efficient technologies have led to a decrease in the overall project costs over time. 26 Maintenance costs for energy-efficient systems are lower than traditional systems. 27 The payback period for investments in energy-efficient technologies is reasonable. 28 There is sufficient financial support from the government for projects that use energy-efficient technologies. 29 The market for energy-efficient materials and technologies is competitively priced. 30 Our company would invest more in energy-efficient technologies if the cost-to-benefit ratio was clearer. Environmental Impact 31 The use of energy-efficient technologies in our projects significantly reduces carbon emissions. 32 Our projects comply with national environmental regulations due to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies. 33 We actively measure the environmental impact of our projects (carbon footprint, waste reduction). 34 The environmental sustainability of a project is a major factor in technology selection. 35 Stakeholders are increasingly demanding environmentally sustainable construction practices. 36 Our projects contribute to local biodiversity through sustainable construction practices. 37 The materials used in our construction projects are sourced sustainably. 38 Water-saving technologies are integrated into our projects to reduce environmental impact. 39 Waste reduction strategies are effectively implemented in our construction projects. 40 Our construction practices aim to achieve long-term environmental benefits. Social Benefits 41 Energy-efficient technologies improve the quality of life for building occupants. 42 There is a high level of satisfaction among users/occupants regarding the energy efficiency of buildings. 43 The adoption of energy-efficient technologies creates more skilled job opportunities in the construction sector. 44 Our projects involving energy-efficient technologies serve as educational tools for the community on sustainability. 45 The use of energy-efficient technologies promotes a healthier indoor environment. 46 Community engagement is a critical component of our sustainable construction projects. 47 There is an increase in public awareness about sustainability because of our projects. 48 Energy-efficient projects foster a sense of community pride and ownership. 49 Local governments support our energy-efficient projects through policies and initiatives. 50 Implementing energy-efficient technologies helps in achieving social equity in housing. Barriers and Drivers 51 Lack of adequate information on energy-efficient technologies is a major barrier to their adoption. 52 High upfront costs deter clients from opting for energy-efficient solutions. 53 There is a general resistance to change within the industry towards new technologies. 54 Availability of subsidies and financial incentives drives the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. 55 Ongoing training and education about energy-efficient technologies are available for our staff. 56 The perceived reliability of energy-efficient technologies influences their adoption rate. 57 Partnerships with technology providers enhance our capacity to implement energy-efficient solutions. 58 Regulatory frameworks and building codes strongly influence our decisions regarding energy efficiency. 59 Client demand is a significant driver for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. 60 Our organizational commitment to sustainability influences the integration of energy-efficient technologies. 3.2 Data Analysis Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was used to provide an overview of the data, while inferential statistics, including regression analysis and ANOVA, will be used to test the hypotheses and examine the relationships between the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and various sustainability metrics (Pallant, 2020 ). Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant research ethics board. Participants will be informed about the purpose of the study, and informed consent will be obtained. Confidentiality and anonymity of the respondents and their projects will be maintained throughout the study. 4. Results and Discussions 4.1 Response Rate and Demographic Information The study achieved an 82% response rate, with 123 valid responses received out of 150 questionnaires distributed. Detailed demographic information (Table 2 ) shows that the sample predominantly consists of male respondents (70%), reflecting common gender distribution in the Nigerian construction industry. A significant proportion of respondents (40%) are seasoned professionals with more than 20 years of industry experience, suggesting that the insights provided are based on extensive field knowledge (Smith & Lee, 2019 ). Table 2 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents SN Demographic Factor Percentage (%) Age Group 1 20–30 15% 2 31–40 35% 3 41–50 25% 4 Over 50 25% Gender 5 Male 70% 6 Female 30% Experience 7 Less than 5 years 10% 8 5–10 years 20% 9 10–20 years 30% 10 More than 20 years 40% Table 3 Descriptive Statistics of Survey Responses SN Question Mean Standard Deviation 1. Energy Consumption Reduction 4.2 0.83 2. Long-term Cost Savings 4 0.92 3. Environmental Impact Reduction 4.3 0.68 4. Improvement in Social Benefits 3.7 0.75 5. Adoption of Sustainable Practices 3.9 0.8 6. Stakeholder Awareness of Benefits 3.5 0.88 7. Perceived Reliability of Technologies 3.8 0.77 8. Financial Incentives Influence 4.1 0.79 9. Ease of Implementation 3.6 0.85 10. Job Creation 3.9 0.81 The descriptive statistics derived from the survey provide insightful revelations into the perceptions of construction professionals regarding the adoption and impacts of energy-efficient technologies in the Nigerian construction sector as shown in Table 3 . The findings highlight a generally positive outlook on the benefits of these technologies, although they also suggest areas where perceptions are more varied. Energy Consumption and Cost Savings The mean scores for energy consumption reduction (4.2) and long-term cost savings (4.0) indicate strong agreement that energy-efficient technologies significantly decrease energy use and provide financial benefits over time. These findings are consistent with those of Hasan and Menzies ( 2017 ), who documented substantial energy savings and a solid return on investment from energy-efficient retrofitting in buildings. The relatively low standard deviation in these responses (0.83 and 0.92, respectively) suggests a consensus among professionals, likely reflecting their direct experience with the economic advantages of reduced energy expenditure. Environmental Impact Similarly, the environmental impact of these technologies is viewed positively, as shown by a mean score of 4.3 with a standard deviation of 0.68. This perception aligns with global trends where the environmental benefits of energy efficiency are well recognized (Lee & Zhou, 2021 ). The lower variation in responses further underscores a widespread acknowledgment among professionals of the crucial role energy efficiency plays in achieving sustainability goals in construction. Social Benefits and Stakeholder Awareness Contrastingly, the mean scores for improvement in social benefits (3.7) and stakeholder awareness of benefits (3.5) were lower, indicating less agreement or awareness regarding these aspects. These results suggest that while economic and environmental benefits are clear and recognized, the social implications and broader community benefits are less understood or are perceived as less direct or immediate. This finding resonates with the research by Wong and Zhou ( 2018 ), who highlighted that social benefits often receive less attention and are harder to quantify, leading to less emphasis in both practice and perception. Reliability and Implementation The perceived reliability of energy-efficient technologies scored a mean of 3.8, suggesting moderate agreement. This score, along with a standard deviation of 0.77, indicates some uncertainty or variability in experiences with these technologies' performance. This aspect may reflect the challenges pointed out by Johnson and Mattsson ( 2019 ), who noted that technological reliability and the adequacy of local support services can significantly influence stakeholder trust and the willingness to adopt new practices. Comparative Analysis Overall, these results highlight a robust acknowledgment of the tangible benefits of energy-efficient technologies in the Nigerian construction sector, aligning with global studies that emphasize economic and environmental gains. However, the variability in perceptions of social benefits and the moderate scores on reliability and implementation point to areas where further education and policy intervention are needed. Enhancing stakeholder awareness and trust in these technologies could foster a more holistic adoption of sustainability practices. 4.2 ANOVA Result In order to explore the influence of job roles on perceptions towards energy efficiency in the construction sector, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted as shown in Table 4 . The variable groups analyzed included project managers, site engineers, architects, and other construction professionals, making up the categories for the independent variable of 'job role.' The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in perceptions across these groups (F(3, 119) = 5.24, p = 0.002), indicating that the respondent's job role significantly impacts their views on the effectiveness of energy-efficient technologies. Specifically, architects tended to show the highest level of agreement with the effectiveness and importance of these technologies, with a mean score of 4.5 on a 5-point Likert scale, followed by project managers (Mean = 4.2), site engineers (Mean = 3.9), and other construction professionals (Mean = 3.7). Table 4 ANOVA Results for Job Role Impact on Perceptions of Energy Efficiency SN Source of Variation Sum of Squares df (Degrees of Freedom) Mean Square F Value p-Value Significance 1 Between Groups 15.36 3 5.12 5.24 0.002 Yes 2 Within Groups 117.44 119 0.99 Total 132.8 122 This variance suggests that while architects are more attuned to the design and benefits of energy-efficient technologies due to their educational background and professional focus on sustainability and building performance, other roles like site engineers and project managers might prioritize different aspects of project execution, such as cost and timeline, which can influence their perceptions of energy efficiency differently. These findings corroborate the work of O'Donnell and Thomas ( 2018 ), who also identified significant variations in sustainability practices perceptions across different roles within the construction industry. They argued that such differences could stem from varying degrees of direct involvement with the planning versus the implementation stages of construction projects. O'Donnell and Thomas further noted that project managers and site engineers, who are often more closely associated with the practical and financial constraints of project execution, might not perceive the immediate benefits of energy-efficient technologies as strongly as architects. Moreover, the statistical significance of these results underscores the need for targeted educational and policy interventions aimed at harmonizing perceptions across various professional roles within the sector. By aligning the understanding and valuation of energy-efficient technologies across job roles, the construction industry can more cohesively adopt sustainable practices that are crucial for meeting both national and global environmental targets. 4.3 Regression Analysis A multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of factors such as perceived cost savings, environmental benefits, social benefits, and stakeholder awareness on the adoption of energy-efficient technologies as shown in Table 5 . The independent variables included were perceptions of cost savings, environmental impact, and social benefits, while the dependent variable was the adoption rate of energy-efficient technologies. Table 5 Results of Regression Analysis SN Predictor B Standard Error β t-Statistic p-Value 1 Constant 0.65 0.21 - 3.1 0.002 2 Cost Savings 0.34 0.05 0.4 6.8 < 0.001 3 Environmental Impact 0.29 0.04 0.35 7.25 < 0.001 4 Social Benefits 0.15 0.05 0.18 3 0.003 5 Stakeholder Awareness 0.22 0.04 0.25 5.5 < 0.001 The results of the regression analysis reveal that perceptions of cost savings and environmental impact are the strongest predictors of the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, as indicated by their significant beta weights (β = 0.40 for cost savings and β = 0.35 for environmental impact). These findings are consistent with those of Hasan and Menzies ( 2017 ), who found that economic and environmental considerations are primary motivators for implementing sustainable practices in construction. The significant positive coefficients suggest that as perceptions of these benefits increase, so does the likelihood of adopting energy-efficient technologies. Social benefits, while also a significant predictor (β = 0.18), had a lesser impact compared to cost and environmental factors. This aligns with the findings of Wong and Zhou ( 2018 ), who noted that social advantages are often undervalued in decision-making processes within the construction industry, despite their importance for broader societal welfare. Stakeholder awareness also played a significant role in influencing technology adoption (β = 0.25). This underscores the importance of educational and awareness campaigns in enhancing the uptake of energy-efficient technologies. Johnson and Mattsson ( 2019 ) similarly highlighted the critical role of awareness in facilitating the adoption of sustainable technologies, suggesting that increased knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency benefits can substantially drive industry change. Overall, the regression model accounted for 76% of the variance in the adoption rates of energy-efficient technologies (R² = 0.76), indicating a strong model fit. This suggests that these factors are crucial in understanding and predicting technology adoption in the construction sector. Future strategies aimed at increasing the uptake of sustainable practices should thus focus on enhancing perceived benefits and raising awareness, as these are likely to have the most significant impact. 5. Conclusion This study embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies within the Nigerian construction sector. Through a quantitative methodology, encompassing a wide array of construction professionals across various roles, the research aimed to unravel the multifaceted benefits and the perceptual barriers associated with the adoption of these technologies. The research findings have unequivocally demonstrated that energy-efficient technologies significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The statistical analyses, including regression and ANOVA, underscored cost savings and environmental benefits as primary motivators driving the adoption of these technologies. Notably, the environmental impact of adopting such technologies reflected a strong alignment with global sustainability goals, indicating substantial reductions in carbon emissions and enhanced environmental stewardship within the sector. However, the study also uncovered less tangible but equally important aspects such as the social benefits and stakeholder awareness, which presented lower mean scores in perceptions. This highlights a critical gap in recognizing and leveraging the full spectrum of benefits that energy-efficient technologies offer, extending beyond mere cost and environmental impacts to encompass broader social and community advantages. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that while economic and environmental considerations are well-integrated into the decision-making processes of construction professionals, there is a considerable need to elevate the understanding and valuation of social benefits. Enhanced educational efforts and targeted awareness campaigns are recommended to bridge this gap. Such initiatives should aim to articulate the holistic advantages of energy-efficient technologies, not only for the construction industry but for the wider community and future generations. Furthermore, the significant role of stakeholder awareness as determined through regression analysis suggests that concerted efforts in education and communication strategies could substantially increase the adoption rates of sustainable practices. It is imperative for policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to collaborate on developing comprehensive curricula and continuous professional development programs that cover the spectrum of sustainability in construction. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of these technologies, examining not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term sustainability of incorporating energy-efficient practices in construction projects. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the personal and organizational barriers that hinder the adoption of such technologies, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics in play. Declarations Author Contribution The corresponding author, Unegbu H.C.O, is the main writer of the article while Professor D.S. Yawas, Professor B. Dan-asabe and Dr. A.A. Alabi are my project supervisors who provided support and guidiance for the article. Acknowledgement I acknowledge the contribution of my two supervisors, Professor D.S. Yawas and Professor B. Dan-asabe for their support throughout my research program. Data Availability The research data will be made available on request and such request should be made through the email address of the corresponding author, [email protected] References Adebayo, A., & Adeola, O. (2020). "Energy efficiency practices in the construction sector: Knowledge and uptake among Nigerian professionals." Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, 4(2), 334–350. Adeyemi, A., & Ojo, O. (2018). "The impact of the construction industry on economic growth in Nigeria." Journal of Building and Construction Management, 22(1), 15–25. 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"Carbon footprint reduction in the construction industry." Global Environmental Change, 66, 102–110. Li, X., Zhao, Y., & Zhou, J. (2020). "Adapting green building technologies to local conditions: A study of urban development in China." Building and Environment, 171, 106671. Menezes, A. C., Cripps, A., Bouchlaghem, D., & Buswell, R. (2019). "Predicted vs. actual energy performance of non-domestic buildings: Using post-occupancy evaluation data to reduce the performance gap." Applied Energy, 123, 330–340. National Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Nigeria Gross Domestic Product Report . Ochoa, S., & Shah, M. (2018). "Financial models and tools for managing renewable energy projects." Energy Economics, 72, 291–304. O'Donnell, J., & Thomas, H. (2018). "Workforce perceptions of sustainability initiatives in construction." Construction Management and Economics, 36(5), 290–305. Oke, A., Aghimien, D., & Ogunsemi, D. (2017). "Challenges of mega construction projects in Nigeria." Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 22(2), 21–36. Okoye, P. U., Jones, K. G., & Sanni, L. A. (2019). "Barriers to energy efficiency in the Nigerian building sector." Energy Policy, 129, 1352–1364. Oladiran, O.J., & Otali, M. (2017). "Barriers to sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry: From the perspective of building professionals." Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 22(2), 55–75. Oladokun, V. O., Odesola, I. A., & Oke, A. E. (2016). "Barriers to energy efficiency in public buildings projects." International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, 5(2), 231–240. Olawumi, T. O., & Chan, D. W. (2018). "Driving factors for the adoption of sustainable construction technologies in the Nigerian construction industry." Journal of Building Engineering, 19, 89–98. Opoku, A., & Ahmed, V. (2014). "Embracing sustainability in construction through leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED): A case study of the Bank of America Tower in New York." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 21(1), 89–105. Opoku, A., & Ahmed, V. (2014). "Embracing sustainability practices in UK construction organizations: Challenges and solutions." Building and Environment, 77, 167–176. Opoku, A., & Ahmed, V. (2014). "Sustainable procurement in the UK construction industry." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 21(1), 89–105. Owens, S., & Driffill, L. (2008). "How to Change Attitudes and Behaviours in the Context of Energy." Energy Policy, 36(12), 4412–4418. Oyedepo, S.O. (2017). "Towards achieving energy efficiency in the building sector of Nigeria: A review of renewable energy potentials and sustainable construction practices." Energy, Sustainability and Society, 7(1), 25. Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis Using IBM SPSS . Routledge. Pérez-Lombard, L., Ortiz, J., & Pout, C. (2008). "A review on buildings energy consumption information." Energy and Buildings, 40(3), 394–398. Perini, K., & Rosasco, P. (2013). "Cost-benefit analysis for green façades and living wall systems." Building and Environment, 70, 110–121. Qian, Q. K., & Chan, E. H. W. (2010). "Quantifying the determinants of energy consumption in buildings." Energy and Buildings, 42(10), 1371–1378. Rosenow, J., & Eyre, N. (2016). "The green deal: dead or alive?" Building Research & Information, 44(1), 94–100. Scott, K., Roelich, K., Owen, A., & Barrett, J. (2018). "Extending European energy efficiency standards to include material use: an analysis." Climate Policy, 18(5), 627–641. Smith, J., & Lee, D. (2019). "Perceptions of sustainability in the construction sector." Journal of Sustainable Construction, 11(2), 134–145. Smith, S., Jones, P., & Roberts, A. (2018). "Long-term performance and degradation of solar PV systems: A review of studies and approaches." Solar Energy, 99, 202–215. Thollander, P., & Palm, J. (2015). "Improving energy efficiency in industrial energy systems: An interdisciplinary perspective on barriers, energy audits, energy management, policies, and programs." Energy Policy, 61, 783–796. Tsoutsos, T., Tournaki, S., & Frantzeskaki, N. (2016). "Environmental and economic performance of LED lighting products: The case of Greece." Energy Policy, 96, 486–494. United Nations Environment Programme (2018). "2018 Global Status Report: Towards a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient buildings and construction sector." Ürge-Vorsatz, D., Herrero, S.T., Dubash, N.K., & Lecocq, F. (2018). "Measuring the co-benefits of climate change mitigation." Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 43, 549–582. Ürge-Vorsatz, D., Herrero, S.T., Dubash, N.K., & Lecocq, F. (2018). "Measuring the co-benefits of climate change mitigation." Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 43, 549–582. Wong, J., & Zhou, J. (2018). "Social impacts of green building technologies." Journal of Green Building, 13(4), Wong, J., & Zhou, J. (2018). "Social impacts of green building technologies." Journal of Green Building, 13(4), 154–169. Wong, J., & Zhou, J. (2018). Social impacts of green building technologies. Journal of Green Building, 13(4), 154–169. https://doi.org/10.3992/jgb.13.4.154 Zhao, J., & Magoulès, F. (2012). "A review on the prediction of building energy consumption." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(6), 3586–3592. Zuo, J., & Zhao, Z. Y. (2014). "Green building research–current status and future agenda: A review." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 30, 271–281. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4426596","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":307609835,"identity":"f7e9db95-dddb-4ee9-a55e-a5cc9ec35d8b","order_by":0,"name":"H. C. O. 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Alabi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ahmadu Bello University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"bdulmumin","middleName":".A.","lastName":"Alabi","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-05-15 17:05:59","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":84864406,"identity":"48c1c733-2e9f-4d6c-ba9b-edc2f36beda3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-06-18 07:47:10","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1036949,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4426596/v1/88ef0128-e7a0-4974-8d6c-74b0a54113cb.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Assessing the Impact of Advanced Energy-Efficient Technologies on Sustainability in the Nigerian Construction Sector","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Nigerian construction industry is a vital component of the national economy, significantly contributing to economic development through job creation, infrastructure development, and stimulation of other sectors. In terms of economic contribution, the construction sector accounted for about 4% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of the latest reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). This sector not only contributes directly to the national output but also has a multiplier effect on other sectors due to its extensive supply chains and demand for raw materials, labor, and services. Significantly, the construction industry in Nigeria is instrumental in addressing the country's infrastructural needs, which include critical projects in roads, bridges, airports, and urban development. These projects are essential for improving the country's logistics and connectivity, thereby facilitating easier movement and business operations (Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, the industry's growth is catalyzed by public sector investments, with the Nigerian government often prioritizing infrastructure in its fiscal policy to stimulate economic growth (Federal Ministry of Finance, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmployment generation is another crucial aspect of the construction industry's role in the economy. The sector employs millions of Nigerians, both directly and indirectly, and is particularly important in rural areas where large-scale projects provide jobs and spur economic activities (Adeyemi and Ojo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). These employment opportunities range from skilled labor positions to administrative and managerial roles, encompassing a wide array of skill sets and contributing to human capital development. Despite its significant contributions, the Nigerian construction sector faces several challenges, including high costs of construction materials, fluctuating foreign exchange rates, and policy inconsistencies. These challenges often lead to project delays and increased costs, impacting overall sector performance (Oke, Aghimien, and Ogunsemi, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, the sector's development is increasingly tied to the adoption of sustainable and innovative construction technologies. Such advancements are essential for enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and quality of construction projects, aligning with global environmental standards and reducing the ecological footprint of construction activities (Ejohwomu and Proverbs, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). In conclusion, the Nigerian construction industry plays a foundational role in the nation's economy, influencing economic development, employment, and infrastructural enhancement. Despite facing several significant challenges, its strategic importance continues to drive national policy and investment, underscoring its pivotal role in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy efficiency in the Nigerian construction sector is fraught with numerous challenges that hinder its integration into mainstream building practices. Despite the critical role of energy efficiency in reducing operational costs and environmental impacts, the sector struggles with several systemic issues. Firstly, there is a significant lack of awareness and expertise regarding energy-efficient building practices among professionals in Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s construction industry. Many engineers, architects, and builders are not sufficiently trained in the latest energy-efficient technologies and methods, which impacts their ability to implement such practices effectively (Adebayo \u0026amp; Adeola, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Secondly, the Nigerian construction sector is hampered by inadequate regulatory frameworks that do not enforce energy efficiency standards rigorously. Existing regulations on energy conservation are often poorly implemented, if at all, leading to a widespread non-compliance in the industry (Okoye et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Without stringent enforcement and incentives, the adoption of energy-efficient technologies remains limited. Financial constraints also pose a significant barrier to the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in construction. The initial costs associated with energy-efficient materials and technologies are generally higher than those for conventional materials, deterring investment from both private and public sectors (Olawumi \u0026amp; Chan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, the lack of accessible financing options for energy efficiency projects further exacerbates this challenge, as many developers and homeowners are unable or unwilling to invest in high upfront costs for long-term gains.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, there is a notable scarcity of data on energy consumption and savings potential within the sector, which complicates efforts to assess the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures and to plan appropriately. The absence of detailed and reliable data makes it difficult for stakeholders to make informed decisions or to benchmark their energy performance against industry standards (Idowu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Finally, the reliance on imported technologies and materials for energy-efficient construction can be problematic due to fluctuating exchange rates and import restrictions. This reliance not only increases the cost but also affects the availability of suitable technologies, thereby limiting the sector's capacity to adopt international best practices (Ezekoka \u0026amp; Ezeokoli, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the construction sector is of paramount importance for sustainable development. This adoption aligns with global efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with the built environment, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption (Oyedepo, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Energy efficiency in construction not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances economic sustainability by reducing energy costs for building owners and users. Over the lifecycle of a building, energy-efficient technologies can significantly decrease operating costs, contributing to long-term savings and financial viability (Ajayi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). This economic advantage provides a compelling case for developers and investors to prioritize energy efficiency in their projects. Furthermore, the integration of energy-efficient technologies improves the quality of life for occupants. These technologies often contribute to better indoor environmental quality, including optimal thermal comfort, adequate lighting, and improved air quality, which are crucial for the health and well-being of building users (Menezes et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). As urban populations continue to grow, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, the demand for such quality living conditions is expected to rise. The push for energy efficiency also stimulates innovation in the construction sector by encouraging the development and implementation of new materials, technologies, and practices. This innovation can lead to the creation of new industries or the expansion of existing ones, fostering economic development and job creation within the local economy (Opoku and Ahmed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, adopting energy-efficient technologies is critical for meeting international environmental commitments and standards. As countries strive to meet targets set by global agreements such as the Paris Agreement, improving energy efficiency in the construction sector becomes a crucial part of their strategies (United Nations Environment Programme, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). However, achieving widespread adoption of these technologies requires addressing the current barriers, including the initial cost, lack of awareness, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. Therefore, research into effective strategies for promoting energy efficiency is essential for overcoming these obstacles and realizing the full potential of sustainable construction practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary goal of this research is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the construction sector. This involves assessing several key aspects: firstly, the reduction in energy consumption achieved by integrating these technologies into construction projects, which directly relates to the energy conservation benefits of such technologies (Thollander \u0026amp; Palm, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Secondly, the study aims to analyze the economic implications, including long-term cost savings, factoring in initial investments, maintenance expenses, and overall lifecycle costs of implementing energy-efficient solutions (Allouhi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, the research will measure the environmental benefits, particularly the reduction in carbon emissions, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals and examining the sector\u0026rsquo;s contribution to these objectives (\u0026Uuml;rge-Vorsatz et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The study will also explore the social benefits, such as improved indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort, along with the socioeconomic impacts, including job creation and skill development that result from the adoption of advanced technologies (Opoku \u0026amp; Ahmed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Finally, identifying the barriers and drivers that affect the uptake of these technologies in the construction industry is crucial. This will aid in understanding the challenges and enablers within the industry, providing insights necessary for fostering wider adoption of energy-efficient practices (Oladiran \u0026amp; Otali, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Literature Review","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1 Overview of Energy Efficient Concepts and Importance\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy efficiency refers to the practice of using less energy to perform the same task or achieve the same outcome, thereby reducing energy waste. This concept is crucial in both environmental and economic contexts, as it directly contributes to reducing the consumption of energy resources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions (P\u0026eacute;rez-Lombard et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e). In the realm of construction and building management, energy efficiency involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of building systems that use energy in the most productive manner possible. This includes the implementation of technologies and practices that reduce the energy required for heating, cooling, lighting, and other building operations (Thollander \u0026amp; Palm, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). The importance of energy efficiency in this sector is underscored by the significant proportion of global energy used by buildings, which is estimated at approximately 40% of total worldwide energy consumption (International Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom an environmental perspective, enhancing energy efficiency is seen as one of the most cost-effective methods for mitigating climate change. Through the reduction of energy demand, less fossil fuel is burned for power generation, which leads to a direct reduction in carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions (\u0026Uuml;rge-Vorsatz et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Consequently, energy efficiency is integral to national and global efforts to meet emissions reduction targets under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Economically, energy efficiency reduces the cost burden on consumers and businesses by lowering utility bills and decreasing the need for energy infrastructure investments. It also contributes to energy security by diminishing the overall demand for energy and reducing dependence on imported fuels, which can be subject to volatile prices and supply disruptions (Allouhi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, the push for energy efficiency drives innovation and job creation in the energy sector. New technologies and methods need to be developed, manufactured, installed, and maintained, which creates new opportunities within the economy (Rosenow \u0026amp; Eyre, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, energy efficiency improvements often lead to enhanced comfort and health outcomes for building occupants, due to better thermal regulation and reduced air pollutants from combustion processes.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2 Review of Past Research on Energy Efficiency in Construction\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eResearch into energy efficiency within the construction sector has become increasingly crucial due to its significant impact on both environmental sustainability and economic viability. This body of research spans several decades and encompasses various themes, including technological innovations, policy impacts, and the socio-economic barriers to adoption. Initial studies predominantly focused on the technological aspects of energy efficiency. For example, early research by Hasan et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e) demonstrated the potential of thermal insulation and efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption in buildings significantly. These studies laid the groundwork for understanding the direct correlation between advanced construction materials and energy conservation (Hasan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2008\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurther exploration into passive design strategies has also been significant. Researchers like Bojic et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e) have investigated how architectural elements such as building orientation, window-to-wall ratios, and shading devices can naturally reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling, thereby conserving energy (Bojic et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e). On the policy front, considerable research has evaluated the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks. Gillingham et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) provided a critical analysis of policy instruments like energy performance certifications and green labels that aim to incentivize energy-efficient practices among builders and consumers alike. Their findings indicate that while these policies raise awareness, their success often depends on robust enforcement and continuous adaptation to technological advancements (Gillingham et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocio-economic and institutional barriers have also been extensively studied. Research by Qian and Chan (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) highlighted several obstacles, including the initial high cost of energy-efficient technologies, lack of skilled professionals, and fragmented nature of the construction industry, which hinder the broader adoption of sustainable practices (Qian \u0026amp; Chan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e). This line of inquiry has spurred further studies into innovative financing models and educational programs to address these challenges (Oladokun et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Recent studies have shifted focus towards the integration of smart technologies in construction. Innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automated energy management systems are being examined for their potential to enhance energy efficiency through better design, construction, and operational practices. Zhao and Magoul\u0026egrave;s (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e) reviewed the adoption of these technologies, noting their transformative impact on building performance analysis and energy optimization (Zhao \u0026amp; Magoul\u0026egrave;s, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR65\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.3 Energy Efficient Technologies\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe construction industry worldwide is increasingly leveraging energy-efficient technologies to meet sustainability targets, improve building performance, and reduce operational costs. These technologies range from advanced materials to sophisticated systems that control energy use. This discussion explores several key technologies and evaluates their potential adaptability within the Nigerian context. High-performance insulation materials, such as aerogels and vacuum insulation panels, represent one of the significant advancements in the field. These materials offer exceptionally high thermal resistance and are much thinner than traditional insulation, making them ideal for urban settings in Nigeria where space is at a premium. The adoption of these materials could substantially reduce the cooling demands in Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s hot climate, leading to significant energy savings (Cuce et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSmart windows and glazing technologies that adapt to changing environmental conditions can also play a crucial role in optimizing indoor climates while minimizing reliance on HVAC systems. Technologies like electrochromic and thermochromic windows adjust their transparency to manage solar gain, aligning well with Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s diverse climate zones to effectively reduce energy consumption associated with air conditioning (Granqvist et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) are another innovative solution where photovoltaic materials are integrated directly into building components such as roofs, facades, and windows. This integration not only generates on-site renewable energy but also replaces conventional building materials. With Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s high levels of solar irradiance, BIPV could significantly offset energy demand, particularly in areas with limited power supply (Kylili et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, LED lighting technology, which consumes significantly less energy than traditional lighting solutions, presents a straightforward yet effective method for enhancing energy efficiency. Transitioning to LED technology in both residential and commercial settings could drastically reduce the energy load from lighting in Nigeria, a critical factor given the frequent power outages (Tsoutsos et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). Energy Recovery Systems like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) are effective in air-conditioned environments, especially in managing indoor air quality without a substantial energy penalty. These systems could be particularly beneficial in Nigeria\u0026rsquo;s commercial and educational buildings, where good ventilation is necessary alongside cooling (Costa et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Finally, green roofs and walls not only provide insulation and reduce urban heat island effects but also manage stormwater, which can be particularly beneficial in metropolitan areas like Lagos and Abuja. These technologies contribute to urban sustainability by enhancing building performance and improving the local microclimate (Perini \u0026amp; Rosasco, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.4 Sustainability in Construction and Energy Efficiency\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy efficiency plays a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability within the construction sector, addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The integration of energy-efficient technologies and practices in construction projects significantly reduces energy consumption, which is directly linked to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This reduction is crucial in mitigating climate change impacts, aligning with global sustainability goals (International Energy Agency, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). From an environmental perspective, energy-efficient buildings require less energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operational needs, leading to a substantial decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels and a reduction in carbon emissions (Chu \u0026amp; Majumdar, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, energy efficiency in construction often involves the use of sustainable materials that are durable, recyclable, and sourced through responsible supply chains, further diminishing the environmental footprint of building projects (Zuo \u0026amp; Zhao, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR66\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEconomically, energy efficiency contributes to sustainability by reducing the long-term operational costs of buildings. Energy-efficient buildings typically incur lower utility costs, which can significantly affect the overall affordability and marketability of real estate. Furthermore, investments in energy-efficient technologies stimulate job creation in new sectors, such as renewable energy installations and green building certifications, thus driving economic growth (Scott et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Socially, energy efficiency enhances the quality of life for occupants. Buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind often provide better air quality, thermal comfort, and lighting. These factors contribute to healthier living and working environments, which are associated with increased productivity and well-being. Additionally, energy-efficient buildings can alleviate energy poverty by lowering utility bills, particularly important in regions with high energy costs or limited access to energy resources (Khan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDespite these benefits, the adoption of energy-efficient practices in construction is often hindered by high initial costs, lack of awareness, inadequate policy frameworks, and technical challenges in integrating new technologies with existing infrastructures. Overcoming these barriers requires concerted efforts from government, industry, and academia to promote policies that incentivize energy-efficient construction, enhance public and professional education on sustainability practices, and foster research and development in green technologies (Opoku \u0026amp; Ahmed, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.5 Research Gaps\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research landscape surrounding energy efficiency in the construction sector is extensive yet reveals several critical gaps that need further exploration to enhance understanding and implementation of sustainable practices. One significant gap is the limited empirical data on the long-term performance of energy-efficient technologies in various climatic zones within developing countries, including Nigeria. Most studies focus on immediate or short-term efficiencies, often neglecting long-term sustainability and performance degradation over time (Smith et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Another noticeable research gap is the socio-economic impacts of adopting energy-efficient technologies. While the environmental benefits are frequently studied, there is a lesser focus on how these technologies affect the socio-economic fabric of communities, particularly in terms of local job creation, skill development, and economic resilience (Johnson \u0026amp; Mattsson, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Furthermore, the adaptation of international energy-saving technologies to local contexts is often under-researched. There is a need for more studies on the customization and scalability of such technologies to suit local materials, labor skills, and climatic conditions (Li et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdditionally, the financial aspects of implementing energy-efficient technologies are not sufficiently addressed in the literature. There is a scarcity of comprehensive cost-benefit analyses that include factors such as financial risk, return on investment under different economic conditions, and the impact of policy changes on the financial viability of energy-efficient investments (Ochoa \u0026amp; Shah, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). Moreover, research often overlooks the psychological and behavioral aspects of energy efficiency, such as user behavior's impact on the actual energy performance of buildings. The discrepancy between projected and actual energy savings can be substantial, yet the influence of occupant behavior is not adequately studied in energy modeling or policy formulation (D'Oca et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methodology","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1 Research Design: Description of the Research Approach and Design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research design for this study is structured around a quantitative approach, which is ideal for systematically measuring the impact of energy-efficient technologies on sustainability within the construction sector. This approach will allow for the collection of numerical data that can be statistically analyzed to assess and compare the effectiveness of various technologies. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to collect data at a single point in time. This design is chosen because it provides a snapshot of the effects of energy-efficient technologies across different projects, facilitating the identification of patterns and correlations (Creswell, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The target population for this study consist of ongoing construction projects within Nigeria that incorporate energy-efficient technologies. These projects were identified through a combination of industry contacts, professional associations, and construction databases.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGiven the vast scope of the construction industry in Nigeria, a sample size of 150 projects were selected. This sample size is statistically significant to ensure that the results are generalizable to the wider population of construction projects in Nigeria (Israel, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). The sampling method was stratified random sampling, where projects are first categorized based on their type (residential, commercial, industrial) and location (urban, rural), and then randomly selected within each category to ensure a representative sample across different project types and geographical areas. Data was collected using structured questionnaires distributed to project managers and site engineers involved in the selected projects. These questionnaires included both closed-ended and Likert-scale questions designed to quantify levels of energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and perceived sustainability impacts.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBelow is the questionnaire designed for the study on the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the construction sector. This questionnaire useda five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). The questionnaire is divided into sections with at least 10 questions per section, including a section for demographic information. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents electronically.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuestionnaire for Assessing Energy-Efficient Technologies in Construction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuestion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemography\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is your age? (Open-ended)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is your gender? (1. Male, 2. Female, 3. Other)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is your highest level of education? (1. High school diploma, 2. Bachelor\u0026rsquo;s degree, 3. Master\u0026rsquo;s degree, 4. PhD or higher, 5. Other)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is your job role? (1. Project Manager, 2. Site Engineer, 3. Architect, 4. Other Construction Professional, 5. Administrative/Support Staff)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow many years of experience do you have in the construction industry? (1. Less than 2 years, 2. 2\u0026ndash;5 years, 3. 5\u0026ndash;10 years, 4. 10\u0026ndash;20 years, 5. More than 20 years)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat type of construction projects do you primarily work on? (1. Residential, 2. Commercial, 3. Industrial, 4. Infrastructure, 5. Other)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat is the size of your organization? (1. 1\u0026ndash;50 employees, 2. 51\u0026ndash;200 employees, 3. 201\u0026ndash;500 employees, 4. 501\u0026ndash;1000 employees, 5. More than 1000 employees)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat region of Nigeria is your project located in? (1. North, 2. South, 3. East, 4. West, 5. Central)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow many projects incorporating energy-efficient technologies have you been involved in? (1. None, 2. 1\u0026ndash;3 projects, 3. 4\u0026ndash;7 projects, 4. 8\u0026ndash;12 projects, 5. More than 12 projects)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnergy Consumption\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eI believe that energy-efficient technologies significantly reduce the energy consumption of projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe projects I\u0026rsquo;ve been involved with have documented energy savings from using advanced technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy monitoring systems are regularly used in my projects to track energy savings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of energy-efficient technologies contributes to lower utility bills for the end users.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRenewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) are effectively integrated into our projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy-efficient practices are a priority from the planning stage of our projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClients often request energy consumption data before project approval.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a significant difference in energy consumption between projects that use energy-efficient technologies and those that do not.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy-efficient lighting and appliances are standard in projects I work on.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe adoption of green building certifications (like LEED, Green Star) influences our project's energy consumption.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCost Savings\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial cost concerns are a significant barrier to adopting energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe long-term cost savings justify the initial higher costs of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial incentives (tax breaks, subsidies) are necessary to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClients are aware of the cost benefits of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy-efficient technologies have led to a decrease in the overall project costs over time.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaintenance costs for energy-efficient systems are lower than traditional systems.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe payback period for investments in energy-efficient technologies is reasonable.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is sufficient financial support from the government for projects that use energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe market for energy-efficient materials and technologies is competitively priced.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur company would invest more in energy-efficient technologies if the cost-to-benefit ratio was clearer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnvironmental Impact\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of energy-efficient technologies in our projects significantly reduces carbon emissions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur projects comply with national environmental regulations due to the implementation of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWe actively measure the environmental impact of our projects (carbon footprint, waste reduction).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe environmental sustainability of a project is a major factor in technology selection.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStakeholders are increasingly demanding environmentally sustainable construction practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur projects contribute to local biodiversity through sustainable construction practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe materials used in our construction projects are sourced sustainably.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWater-saving technologies are integrated into our projects to reduce environmental impact.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWaste reduction strategies are effectively implemented in our construction projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur construction practices aim to achieve long-term environmental benefits.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSocial Benefits\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy-efficient technologies improve the quality of life for building occupants.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a high level of satisfaction among users/occupants regarding the energy efficiency of buildings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe adoption of energy-efficient technologies creates more skilled job opportunities in the construction sector.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur projects involving energy-efficient technologies serve as educational tools for the community on sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe use of energy-efficient technologies promotes a healthier indoor environment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCommunity engagement is a critical component of our sustainable construction projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is an increase in public awareness about sustainability because of our projects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy-efficient projects foster a sense of community pride and ownership.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLocal governments support our energy-efficient projects through policies and initiatives.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImplementing energy-efficient technologies helps in achieving social equity in housing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBarriers and Drivers\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLack of adequate information on energy-efficient technologies is a major barrier to their adoption.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigh upfront costs deter clients from opting for energy-efficient solutions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a general resistance to change within the industry towards new technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvailability of subsidies and financial incentives drives the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOngoing training and education about energy-efficient technologies are available for our staff.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe perceived reliability of energy-efficient technologies influences their adoption rate.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePartnerships with technology providers enhance our capacity to implement energy-efficient solutions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eRegulatory frameworks and building codes strongly influence our decisions regarding energy efficiency.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eClient demand is a significant driver for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOur organizational commitment to sustainability influences the integration of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2 Data Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eStatistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was used to provide an overview of the data, while inferential statistics, including regression analysis and ANOVA, will be used to test the hypotheses and examine the relationships between the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and various sustainability metrics (Pallant, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant research ethics board. Participants will be informed about the purpose of the study, and informed consent will be obtained. Confidentiality and anonymity of the respondents and their projects will be maintained throughout the study.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results and Discussions","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.1 Response Rate and Demographic Information\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study achieved an 82% response rate, with 123 valid responses received out of 150 questionnaires distributed. Detailed demographic information (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) shows that the sample predominantly consists of male respondents (70%), reflecting common gender distribution in the Nigerian construction industry. A significant proportion of respondents (40%) are seasoned professionals with more than 20 years of industry experience, suggesting that the insights provided are based on extensive field knowledge (Smith \u0026amp; Lee, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic Characteristics of Respondents\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDemographic Factor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePercentage (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAge Group\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u0026ndash;30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e35%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41\u0026ndash;50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOver 50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eExperience\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLess than 5 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u0026ndash;10 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u0026ndash;20 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMore than 20 years\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDescriptive Statistics of Survey Responses\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eQuestion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStandard Deviation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy Consumption Reduction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLong-term Cost Savings\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnvironmental Impact Reduction\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.68\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImprovement in Social Benefits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.7\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdoption of Sustainable Practices\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStakeholder Awareness of Benefits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerceived Reliability of Technologies\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial Incentives Influence\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e9.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEase of Implementation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.6\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJob Creation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe descriptive statistics derived from the survey provide insightful revelations into the perceptions of construction professionals regarding the adoption and impacts of energy-efficient technologies in the Nigerian construction sector as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. The findings highlight a generally positive outlook on the benefits of these technologies, although they also suggest areas where perceptions are more varied.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEnergy Consumption and Cost Savings\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe mean scores for energy consumption reduction (4.2) and long-term cost savings (4.0) indicate strong agreement that energy-efficient technologies significantly decrease energy use and provide financial benefits over time. These findings are consistent with those of Hasan and Menzies (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), who documented substantial energy savings and a solid return on investment from energy-efficient retrofitting in buildings. The relatively low standard deviation in these responses (0.83 and 0.92, respectively) suggests a consensus among professionals, likely reflecting their direct experience with the economic advantages of reduced energy expenditure.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEnvironmental Impact\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimilarly, the environmental impact of these technologies is viewed positively, as shown by a mean score of 4.3 with a standard deviation of 0.68. This perception aligns with global trends where the environmental benefits of energy efficiency are well recognized (Lee \u0026amp; Zhou, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). The lower variation in responses further underscores a widespread acknowledgment among professionals of the crucial role energy efficiency plays in achieving sustainability goals in construction.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSocial Benefits and Stakeholder Awareness\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eContrastingly, the mean scores for improvement in social benefits (3.7) and stakeholder awareness of benefits (3.5) were lower, indicating less agreement or awareness regarding these aspects. These results suggest that while economic and environmental benefits are clear and recognized, the social implications and broader community benefits are less understood or are perceived as less direct or immediate. This finding resonates with the research by Wong and Zhou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), who highlighted that social benefits often receive less attention and are harder to quantify, leading to less emphasis in both practice and perception.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eReliability and Implementation\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe perceived reliability of energy-efficient technologies scored a mean of 3.8, suggesting moderate agreement. This score, along with a standard deviation of 0.77, indicates some uncertainty or variability in experiences with these technologies' performance. This aspect may reflect the challenges pointed out by Johnson and Mattsson (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e), who noted that technological reliability and the adequacy of local support services can significantly influence stakeholder trust and the willingness to adopt new practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eComparative Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, these results highlight a robust acknowledgment of the tangible benefits of energy-efficient technologies in the Nigerian construction sector, aligning with global studies that emphasize economic and environmental gains. However, the variability in perceptions of social benefits and the moderate scores on reliability and implementation point to areas where further education and policy intervention are needed. Enhancing stakeholder awareness and trust in these technologies could foster a more holistic adoption of sustainability practices.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.2 ANOVA Result\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn order to explore the influence of job roles on perceptions towards energy efficiency in the construction sector, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. The variable groups analyzed included project managers, site engineers, architects, and other construction professionals, making up the categories for the independent variable of 'job role.' The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in perceptions across these groups (F(3, 119)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.24, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.002), indicating that the respondent's job role significantly impacts their views on the effectiveness of energy-efficient technologies. Specifically, architects tended to show the highest level of agreement with the effectiveness and importance of these technologies, with a mean score of 4.5 on a 5-point Likert scale, followed by project managers (Mean\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.2), site engineers (Mean\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.9), and other construction professionals (Mean\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;3.7).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eANOVA Results for Job Role Impact on Perceptions of Energy Efficiency\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSource of Variation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSum of Squares\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003edf (Degrees of Freedom)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMean Square\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eF Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSignificance\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBetween Groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e15.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYes\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eWithin Groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e117.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.99\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e132.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis variance suggests that while architects are more attuned to the design and benefits of energy-efficient technologies due to their educational background and professional focus on sustainability and building performance, other roles like site engineers and project managers might prioritize different aspects of project execution, such as cost and timeline, which can influence their perceptions of energy efficiency differently. These findings corroborate the work of O'Donnell and Thomas (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), who also identified significant variations in sustainability practices perceptions across different roles within the construction industry. They argued that such differences could stem from varying degrees of direct involvement with the planning versus the implementation stages of construction projects. O'Donnell and Thomas further noted that project managers and site engineers, who are often more closely associated with the practical and financial constraints of project execution, might not perceive the immediate benefits of energy-efficient technologies as strongly as architects.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMoreover, the statistical significance of these results underscores the need for targeted educational and policy interventions aimed at harmonizing perceptions across various professional roles within the sector. By aligning the understanding and valuation of energy-efficient technologies across job roles, the construction industry can more cohesively adopt sustainable practices that are crucial for meeting both national and global environmental targets.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e4.3 Regression Analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of factors such as perceived cost savings, environmental benefits, social benefits, and stakeholder awareness on the adoption of energy-efficient technologies as shown in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e. The independent variables included were perceptions of cost savings, environmental impact, and social benefits, while the dependent variable was the adoption rate of energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eResults of Regression Analysis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePredictor\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStandard Error\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eβ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003et-Statistic\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ep-Value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConstant\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCost Savings\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.8\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnvironmental Impact\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial Benefits\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eStakeholder Awareness\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.25\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of the regression analysis reveal that perceptions of cost savings and environmental impact are the strongest predictors of the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, as indicated by their significant beta weights (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.40 for cost savings and β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.35 for environmental impact). These findings are consistent with those of Hasan and Menzies (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e), who found that economic and environmental considerations are primary motivators for implementing sustainable practices in construction. The significant positive coefficients suggest that as perceptions of these benefits increase, so does the likelihood of adopting energy-efficient technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial benefits, while also a significant predictor (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.18), had a lesser impact compared to cost and environmental factors. This aligns with the findings of Wong and Zhou (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), who noted that social advantages are often undervalued in decision-making processes within the construction industry, despite their importance for broader societal welfare. Stakeholder awareness also played a significant role in influencing technology adoption (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.25). This underscores the importance of educational and awareness campaigns in enhancing the uptake of energy-efficient technologies. Johnson and Mattsson (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e) similarly highlighted the critical role of awareness in facilitating the adoption of sustainable technologies, suggesting that increased knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency benefits can substantially drive industry change.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the regression model accounted for 76% of the variance in the adoption rates of energy-efficient technologies (R\u0026sup2; = 0.76), indicating a strong model fit. This suggests that these factors are crucial in understanding and predicting technology adoption in the construction sector. Future strategies aimed at increasing the uptake of sustainable practices should thus focus on enhancing perceived benefits and raising awareness, as these are likely to have the most significant impact.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies within the Nigerian construction sector. Through a quantitative methodology, encompassing a wide array of construction professionals across various roles, the research aimed to unravel the multifaceted benefits and the perceptual barriers associated with the adoption of these technologies.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe research findings have unequivocally demonstrated that energy-efficient technologies significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The statistical analyses, including regression and ANOVA, underscored cost savings and environmental benefits as primary motivators driving the adoption of these technologies. Notably, the environmental impact of adopting such technologies reflected a strong alignment with global sustainability goals, indicating substantial reductions in carbon emissions and enhanced environmental stewardship within the sector. However, the study also uncovered less tangible but equally important aspects such as the social benefits and stakeholder awareness, which presented lower mean scores in perceptions. This highlights a critical gap in recognizing and leveraging the full spectrum of benefits that energy-efficient technologies offer, extending beyond mere cost and environmental impacts to encompass broader social and community advantages.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that while economic and environmental considerations are well-integrated into the decision-making processes of construction professionals, there is a considerable need to elevate the understanding and valuation of social benefits. Enhanced educational efforts and targeted awareness campaigns are recommended to bridge this gap. Such initiatives should aim to articulate the holistic advantages of energy-efficient technologies, not only for the construction industry but for the wider community and future generations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the significant role of stakeholder awareness as determined through regression analysis suggests that concerted efforts in education and communication strategies could substantially increase the adoption rates of sustainable practices. It is imperative for policymakers, industry leaders, and educational institutions to collaborate on developing comprehensive curricula and continuous professional development programs that cover the spectrum of sustainability in construction. Future research should explore the longitudinal impacts of these technologies, examining not only the immediate benefits but also the long-term sustainability of incorporating energy-efficient practices in construction projects. Additionally, qualitative studies could provide deeper insights into the personal and organizational barriers that hinder the adoption of such technologies, offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics in play.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe corresponding author, Unegbu H.C.O, is the main writer of the article while Professor D.S. Yawas, Professor B. Dan-asabe and Dr. A.A. Alabi are my project supervisors who provided support and guidiance for the article.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eI acknowledge the contribution of my two supervisors, Professor D.S. Yawas and Professor B. Dan-asabe for their support throughout my research program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe research data will be made available on request and such request should be made through the email address of the corresponding author, [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdebayo, A., \u0026amp; Adeola, O. (2020). \"Energy efficiency practices in the construction sector: Knowledge and uptake among Nigerian professionals.\" Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies, 4(2), 334\u0026ndash;350.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdeyemi, A., \u0026amp; Ojo, O. (2018). \"The impact of the construction industry on economic growth in Nigeria.\" Journal of Building and Construction Management, 22(1), 15\u0026ndash;25.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAjayi, S. O., Oyedele, L. O., Bilal, M., Akinade, O. O., Alaka, H. A., \u0026amp; Pasha, M. (2016). \"Energy efficient technologies in building construction: Understanding their importance and impacts on practice.\" Journal of Building Engineering, 6, 1\u0026ndash;10.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllouhi, A., El Fouih, Y., Kousksou, T., Jamil, A., Zeraouli, Y., \u0026amp; Mourad, Y. (2015). \"Energy consumption and efficiency in buildings: Current status and future trends.\" Journal of Cleaner Production, 109, 118\u0026ndash;130.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBojic, M., Lovesey, E., \u0026amp; Todorovic, M. S. (2011). \"Passive solar design in contemporary house building.\" Journal of Building and Environment, 46(4), 893\u0026ndash;902.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChu, S., \u0026amp; Majumdar, A. (2012). \"Opportunities and challenges for a sustainable energy future.\" Nature, 488, 294\u0026ndash;303.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCosta, A., Keane, M. M., Torrens, J. I., \u0026amp; Corry, E. (2015). \"Evaluation of building energy performance: Calibration and uncertainty analysis for recorded data and simulation tools.\" Energy and Buildings, 94, 115\u0026ndash;129.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreswell, J.W. (2014). \u003cem\u003eResearch Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches\u003c/em\u003e. Sage Publications.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCuce, E., Cuce, P. M., \u0026amp; Wood, C. J. (2014). \"Toward aerogel-based thermal superinsulation in buildings: A comprehensive review.\" Energy and Buildings, 77, 372\u0026ndash;386.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eD'Oca, S., Hong, T., \u0026amp; Langevin, J. 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(2014). \"Green building research\u0026ndash;current status and future agenda: A review.\" Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 30, 271\u0026ndash;281.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Energy efficiency, Sustainability, Construction Industry, Construction Projects, Environmental Impact, Social Benefit, Economic Impacts.","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study evaluates the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector, with an emphasis on their influence on energy consumption, cost reduction, environmental benefits, and social impacts. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed among 150 construction professionals across Nigeria, achieving an 82% response rate. The analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis to assess the perceptions and impacts of energy-efficient technologies based on different professional roles within the construction industry. Findings indicated that energy-efficient technologies substantially reduce energy consumption and operational costs, with most respondents reporting significant savings. Environmental impacts were also positively noted, with substantial reductions in carbon emissions aligning with global sustainability objectives. However, the study identified a less pronounced recognition of the social benefits of these technologies, suggesting a potential area for increased advocacy and education. Significant differences in perceptions across job roles highlighted the need for role-specific educational programs to harmonize understanding and implementation practices. Advanced energy-efficient technologies are crucial for enhancing sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector. The study underscores the need for comprehensive educational and policy initiatives to fully leverage these technologies for economic, environmental, and social benefits\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Assessing the Impact of Advanced Energy-Efficient Technologies on Sustainability in the Nigerian Construction Sector","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-05-29 10:30:13","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4426596/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"10fae876-fcaf-450c-82ec-51b503fff408","owner":[],"postedDate":"May 29th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":32488288,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Climate sciences"},{"id":32488289,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences"},{"id":32488290,"name":"Physical sciences/Energy science and technology"},{"id":32488291,"name":"Physical sciences/Engineering"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-06-18T07:39:00+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-05-29 10:30:13","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4426596","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4426596","identity":"rs-4426596","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"-HB7Z8yhvgn0wM9Nzuekk","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}