Sustainable construction adoption in a developing economy: the role of institutional pressures, organisational capacity and lifecycle cost orientation in Nigeria

Purpose – This study examines the implementation, perceived effectiveness and cost implications of sustainable construction adoption in Nigeria, integrating institutional theory and the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework to explain adoption patterns within a developing economy context. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional survey of 366 construction professionals in Lagos State yielded 225 valid responses (61.5% response rate). The validated instrument (Cronbach's α = 0.949) assessed implementation levels, perceived effectiveness and cost implications of sustainable practices. Data were analysed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Pearson correlation. Findings – Sustainable materials emerged as the most effective practice (RII = 0.94), followed by renewable energy (RII = 0.93) and energy-efficient technologies (RII = 0.92). Implementation was led by energy-efficient technologies (RII = 0.92) and eco-friendly policies (RII = 0.91). A moderate positive but statistically insignificant correlation was found between perceived effectiveness and cost savings (r = 0.474; p = 0.141). Three explanatory mechanisms were identified: institutional legitimacy pressures, organisational capacity constraints and lifecycle-cost orientation deficits. Practical implications – Findings inform regulatory reform, capacity-building initiatives and procurement policy redesign in Nigeria and comparable developing economies. Originality/value – This study uniquely integrates Institutional Theory and the TOE framework to explain sustainable construction adoption in a developing economy, providing the first quantitative evidence of adoption mechanisms among Nigerian construction professionals.