Sustainable Built-Environment: Appraisal of the Effects of Environmental Degradation and Construction Hazards in Nigeria

Environmental challenges including degradation and construction hazards have been on the increase in Nigeria particularly in Niger Delta States resulting from continuous oil exploration and construction activities in the quest for economic growth and development. Thus, increased urbanization and industrialization has led to environmental degradation with its attendant effects on both humans and ecology of the Nigerian environment which is unsustainable. This paper critically examined the effects of environmental degradation and construction hazards on the built environment in Nigeria. Methodology of study include the use of structured questionnaires distributed to stakeholders in the environment namely environmental scientists, Surveyors, Engineers, Architects, project managers and farmers selected from Niger Delta States of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers using purposive random technique. The 145 completed questionnaires were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (R.I.I.). Findings showed that several effects of environmental degradation and construction hazards abound, but categorized into 14 namely; health & safety impairment; local issues (noise, odour, vibration); accident & fire outbreaks; loss of genetic resources; landscape alteration; climate change/emissions; poverty on communities; loss of farming/fishing jobs; bio-diversity loss; distortion of ecosystem; flooding/erosion; pollution (air, land, water); dust & waste generation and traffic & visual issues. The study recommended sustainable construction techniques, enforcement of environmental protection policies for sustainable built environment in Nigeria.