Users' awareness and perceptions of green building in Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the users’ awareness and perceptions to determine their awareness levels as it is crucial in increasing uptake of green buildings in Kenya. The study sample consisted of 22 randomly selected building users from 17 commercial buildings in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Using both descriptive (percentages, means) and inferential statistics (Principal Component Analysis, relative perception index) to analyse the data gathered. The findings revealed that the majority (63.6%) of the users were unaware of green buildings. In addition, the internet is the dominant channel through which awareness was acquired. Most respondents perceived green buildings as an environmental concept that was expensive to construct. Based on this study's findings, it was concluded that there was an urgent need to increase user awareness campaigns targeting green buildings' benefits. Green buildings' economic and social benefits should be lauded as much as the environmental ones. Such a move should involve all stakeholders, especially building industry investors.