Low Carbon Construction Materials and Techniques for Sustainable Housing Development in Nigeria

Housing is central to quality of life and consumes large amounts of resources in its construction, maintenance and use. It contributes significantly to sustainability because it consumes a substantial proportion of the global greenhouse gases. The building industry consumes a substantial percentage of the materials entering the global economy, and is responsible for the emission of almost half of the global greenhouse gases. Sustainability is achieved in housing through minimizing climate change, reducing pollution and improving air quality and health, and thus creating sustainable settlements. In Nigeria building earth is the indigenous material for construction and has been used for centuries. Extensive research has been carried out in the country, notably by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute which has resulted in the use of stabilized blocks for walling offering low-carbon solutions. This research focuses on the development of the blocks as innovative low carbon construction materials for housing construction in Nigeria. It discusses the potentials of the blocks in minimizing negative impact on the environment and thus enhancing sustainable housing.