PREMATURE BUILDING OBSOLESCENCE: IDENTIFYING AND PRIORITISING KEY FACTORS FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILT-ENVIRONMENT

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the causes of premature building obsolescence and prioritise the factors with the most severe impact for effective management.

Design / Method / Approach: A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 60 fully registered professionals from the Kaduna state chapters of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors (NIES), and Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), with 50 completed responses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and percentages) and inferential statistics through Pareto analysis to identify the most significant obsolescence factors.

Findings: The findings reveal that within Physical obsolescence, “poor materials and workmanship” ranked first, with Pareto analysis identifying the top 19 factors as severe. For Functional obsolescence, the “failure to inspect/supervise architectural work” was the primary cause, with 21 factors classified as most severe. In Economic obsolescence, the “failure to study life-cycle costs” topped the list, with the first 19 factors deemed most severe. Under Technological obsolescence, “Fast rate of technology change” was ranked first, identifying the top 20 severe factors. In Environmental obsolescence, “poor town planning” was the leading cause. Lastly, in Legal/Social obsolescence, “deterioration of buildings” was ranked first.

Research Limitation/Implication: The study relies on a Purposive sample of 60 professionals from Kaduna state chapters, with 50 valid responses, which may limit generalizability to other states or regions. Self-reported data may be subject to response bias. Findings suggest priority areas for policy refinement, standards development, and targeted training to mitigate premature obsolescence.

Practical Implication: The study provides guidelines for effective management of building obsolescence, enhancing sustainability within the built environment.

Originality / Value: The study provides actionable guidance for practitioners and policymakers to focus resource allocation on the most impactful obsolescence drivers, supporting sustainable asset management and building performance in the Nigerian built environment.