Environmental Management Practices, Sustainable Architecture and Environmental Sustainability in Faith-Based Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Faith-based institutions (FBIs) are increasingly recognized as strategic partners in promoting environmental sustainability because of their extensive physical infrastructure, moral authority, and community influence. Despite this potential, empirical evidence on how environmental management practices and sustainable architecture contribute to environmental sustainability within Nigerian faith-based institutions remains limited. This study examined environmental management practices implemented by faith-based institutions, investigated the institutional factors influencing the adoption of sustainable architecture, and assessed their contributions to environmental sustainability. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 400 respondents through structured questionnaires, while qualitative information was obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), whereas qualitative responses were analysed thematically. The findings revealed a high level of implementation of environmental management practices (Grand Mean = 4.18), with environmental sanitation, tree planting, drainage maintenance, and environmental awareness campaigns emerging as the most frequently implemented initiatives. Regression analysis showed that environmental management practices significantly predicted environmental sustainability (R² = 0.610, p < 0.001), while financial resources, leadership commitment, environmental awareness, institutional policy, technical expertise, and government support significantly influenced the adoption of sustainable architecture (R² = 0.692, p < 0.001). Strong institutional leadership and the integration of environmental stewardship into religious teachings were identified as critical components of an effective sustainability framework. The study concludes that faith-based institutions can substantially advance environmental sustainability when environmental stewardship is integrated with sustainable architectural practices and supported by institutional commitment and enabling policies. The study recommends increased investment in green infrastructure, institutional environmental policies, renewable energy technologies, and stronger collaboration between faith-based institutions and environmental agencies to accelerate sustainable development in Nigeria.