ABSTRACT

Green construction practices can minimize buildings’ significant environmental effects, conserve resources, and provide economic benefits such as lower operating costs and enhanced property values. In Africa, the need for sustainable practices is critical due to the rapid urbanisation and population growth rates. However, research on stakeholders’ influence and receptiveness to green buildings is limited. Our study draws on the experiences of 38 green building experts from five African countries affiliated with either EDGE, LEED, Green Star or DGNB. Our findings indicate that construction professionals and private sector developers are the most receptive, environmental agency regulators are indifferent, and interest groups are the least receptive. In addition to construction professionals and private sector developers, local regulatory authorities are among the most influential stakeholders in construction projects. Further analysis of the nexus between receptiveness and influence suggests local regulatory authorities and landowners are less receptive than influential, highlighting a disconnect inhibiting green building adoption. This disparity suggests that policies and sensitization campaigns must actively consider the different stakeholders’ motivations and the balance of power in the African context towards promoting sustainable building practices to secure a more sustainable future.