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Barriers to the Adoption of Smart Building Technology in Developing Countries: An Empirical Survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Smart building technology (SBT) has been a prominent practical and academic topic in the built environment due to the adoption of sustainable development and digitization to maximize energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and maximize thermal comfort. While the construction industry is currently adopting SBT, numerous obstacles have prevented its widespread use. Thus, this study aims to examine the significant barriers underlying the adoption of SBT from the perspective of construction professionals. A systematic literature review of 30 articles was conducted and a well-structured questionnaire providing quantitative research was adopted to collect pertinent information from 244 construction professionals. The collected data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis’s test, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and partial least-squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The study found that all 22 identified barrier factors significantly affect the adoption of SBT. Furthermore, the high material and equipment costs for smart buildings, inadequate power supply, poor maintenance culture, and lack of well-trained staff are the five topmost barriers affecting the adoption of SBT. The factor analysis categorized the industry-relevant barriers into four groups: awareness, economics, human, and management. Finally, the structural equation modeling revealed that human-related and management-related barriers are the most significant, with path coefficients of β 0.395 and 0.309, respectively. Therefore, it is imperative that the authorities of various professional organizations actively participate in the crucial implementation of SBT. The analysis highlighted smart building adoption opportunities and practical strategies for overcoming barriers. These findings provide evidence that building professionals can use to develop strategies to prevent the identified barriers from hindering the adoption and deployment of SBTs.

Source: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management

DOI: 10.1061/jcemd4.coeng-15466

Authors: Cyril Chinonso Ejidike, Modupe C. Mewomo, Timothy O. Olawumi, Shengwei Wang, Mohanad Kamil Buniya

Institutions: Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Durban University of Technology, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Al Maarif

Language: English

Topic: BIM and Construction Integration

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W4409460708

FWCI: 2.571

Cites: 89

Cited by: 6

Related to: 10