SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DESIGN AS A SOLUTION FOR IMPROVING INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Climate change presents a pressing challenge with far-reaching implications for the built environment and human well-being, particularly in the rapid urbanisation of cities such as Lagos, Nigeria. This paper underscores the critical role of sustainable housing design as a pivotal solution for mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in residential buildings. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this study elucidates the interconnectedness between sustainable design principles and the factors influencing IEQ, including thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, and noise levels. Emphasising the imperative for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, the findings underscore the need for government leadership to promote sustainable housing practices. Furthermore, leveraging actionable frameworks by international bodies and organisations to incentivise sustainable design behaviours has emerged as a crucial strategy to foster resilience against climate change while ensuring the well-being and comfort of occupants. This paper contributes to the discourse by providing actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to advance sustainable development goals (SDG), particularly Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Climate Action (SDG 13), towards building resilient and liveable urban environments in Lagos.