Title : Advancing sustainable construction in Nigeria through agricultural and plastic waste-derived stabilizers: A position paper on compressed stabilized laterite bricks
Abstract:
The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint while addressing the increasing demand for affordable housing. Portland cement, the is major stabilizing material used in construction, is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, housing deficit and high energy consumption, thereby necessitating the search for sustainable alternatives. Nigeria faces increasing construction costs and the accumulation of agricultural and plastic wastes, including shea nut shells, cassava peels, and waste polythene leather. These waste streams represent an untapped resource for the development of environmentally sustainable construction materials. This position paper argues that agricultural and plastic waste derived stabilizers should be systematically adopted as partial replacements for Portland cement in compressed stabilized laterite bricks (CSLBs). Drawing on evidence from sustainable construction, supplementary cementitious materials, and circular economy literature, the paper demonstrates that these waste derived materials possess significant environmental, economic, and engineering potential when appropriately processed and standardized. The paper further identifies critical barriers to adoption, including inadequate standards, limited policy support, insufficient industry awareness, and weak integration into Building Technology education. It proposes a coordinated framework involving government agencies, research institutions, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions to mainstream the use of waste derived stabilizers in Nigeria. The paper concludes that adopting agricultural and plastic waste derived stabilizers represents a practical pathway toward low carbon construction, improved waste management, resource efficiency, and affordable housing while supporting the country's sustainable development agenda.
