CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

A Scoping Review: Policy “Pull” and Diffusion of Green Building Certification Across Africa

Jonathan Oladeji and Chioma Okoro

Keywords: Green building, Africa, Policy, Certification, Rating Systems, Regulation

Abstract

Green building adoption is part of a global response to the environmental impacts of construction. This has led to the adoption of green certification as standards for demonstrating environmental compliance and sustainability. However, the literature shows low adoption rates in developing African countries due to various challenges, including fragmented policy approaches. This scoping literature review explored how policy instruments influence the adoption and diffusion of green building certification across African countries. Using a five-step framework by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), the study included forty-six (46) selected sources in the content analysis. The results demonstrate that the green building policy landscape in Africa is underdeveloped, with many countries lacking defined policies to guide sustainable practices. However, adoption of international green certification systems is prevalent on the continent due to the lack of local rating systems and cohesive policy frameworks. Many rating systems are imported, with the U.S. LEED being the most used. Notable policy gaps driving stakeholder interests include the need for technical training, public awareness initiatives, regulations by green building councils, the creation of green financial instruments, and government interventions. Unlike other studies that focus on cost perceptions and lack of technical skills, this study explored how policy instruments influence the adoption and diffusion of green building certification across African countries.