Are there any gains in green-tech adoption? Unearthing the beneficial outcomes of smart-sustainable practices in Nigeria and Hong Kong built environment

Abstract

Implementing smart-sustainable practices (SSP) is crucial to achieving environmentally-friendly buildings and cities. Adequate awareness and understanding of its benefits and impacts are essential for maximizing its implementation. Hence, this study explores and establishes the key SSP benefits in the built environment of Hong Kong and Nigeria. Factors were identified through literature survey, then data was collected using questionnaires and analysed with various methods. The common key beneficial outcomes (BT) in both contexts relate to better design products with low environmental impact and enhancement of project quality and productivity. Three main clusters were established: sustainable design and resource management, innovation and business performance, and green initiatives and productivity. Based on the rank agreement analysis, there is high consensus between Hong Kong and Nigeria experts on two clustered BTs of green initiatives and sustainable products (57%) and project productivity and efficiency (100%). It is important to be cautious when applying these findings beyond the specific contexts of Nigeria and Hong Kong. The study findings have provided practical and objective means to predict and assess the probable impacts of SSP implementation while providing clients, contractors, policymakers, and practitioners with pragmatic tools and effective recommendations to promote the delivery of smart, sustainable projects worldwide.