Abstract
This study addresses the urgent need for sustainable housing in Nigeria, focusing
on the transformative potential of Circular Economy (CE) principles to address
interconnected challenges of decarbonization, human factors, and institutional
transformation. With a significant housing deficit and high carbon emissions from
the construction sector, the research emphasizes building with the end in mind
and embedding sustainability as a core value in housing practices. Employing a
mixed-methods approach, the study examines policy documents, models carbon
emissions, and surveys behavioural factors to understand barriers to sustainable
housing adoption. A comparative analysis of CE adoption strategies in Finland
and Germany underscores the diverse approaches adopted. This analysis presents
Nigeria with an opportunity to transform challenges into opportunities by formalizing
informal practices and developing tailored policies. The research also highlights the
need to deepen connections between homes and ecosystems, advocating for homes
that better reflect societal values and encourage harmony with nature. A critical
gap in Nigeria’s housing sector lies in the end-of-life phase. The study proposes
integrating “EoL wills” to manage material reuse and recycling, aligning with global
decarbonization goals and laying the foundation for a Circular Building Label in
Nigeria. This label would track residential emissions, incorporate decarbonization
strategies, and measure sustainable traits through psychometric tools, pushing the
boundaries of how sustainability is assessed. Timely with COP29’s focus on climate
justice, this research emphasizes the importance of cultivating sustainability traits
like nature reciprocity and delayed gratification, addressing behavioural barriers, and
integrating institutional reforms. By harmonizing decarbonization pathways, human
factors, and institutional dynamics, this paper provides actionable insights to advance
long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s housing sector. The findings shift the focus
from government-driven solutions to individual responsibility, catalyzing a bottomup
roadmap for creating homes that embody personal values, promote societal
improvement, and harmonize with ecosystems. This research is applicable to other
nations in the Global South.