Determinants of Green Building Material Adoption: A Mixed-Methods Study of Awareness, Behavioral Intention, and Professional Influence Among Construction Practitioners in Lalitpur, Nepal
Student: Puja Karki
Supervisor: Er. Subash Kumar Bhattarai
Submitted Date:
January, 2026
Abstract
The transition to sustainable construction practices is a global imperative, yet adoption remains
limited in developing economies. This study investigates the determinants of Green Building
Material and Technology (GBMT) adoption among construction professionals in Lalitpur
Metropolitan City, Nepal, a rapidly urbanizing area where sustainable building is critical for
environmental resilience. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the
research pursued three objectives: (1) to assess the current awareness, perception, and practical
experience regarding GBMT; (2) to analyze the key factors influencing adoption intention using
an adapted Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2); and (3) to explore strategies for enhancing
the influence of design professionals.
Data were collected from 80 architects and civil engineers via a structured questionnaire and
analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and thematic analysis. Findings reveal a
significant awareness-practice gap: while 77.5% of professionals were familiar with GBMT, only
35% had project experience, constrained primarily by high initial costs (68.8%) and limited
market availability (56.3%). The TAM2 regression analysis identified Perceived Usefulness as
the primary driver of adoption intention, itself most strongly predicted by Social Influence (β =
0.442, p < 0.001) and Job Relevance (β = 0.188, p = 0.046). Contrary to the original model,
Perceived Ease of Use was non-significant. Qualitative analysis for Objective 3 highlighted that
professionals prioritize enhanced education/training (70.6%) and supportive government policy
(61.8%) as key levers to amplify their role as change agents. The study concludes that GBMT
promotion in Lalitpur must shift from raising general awareness to implementing systemic
interventions that address economic barriers, strategically leverage professional networks, and
empower designers through targeted capacity building and enabling policies. Theoretically, it
validates the adaptation of TAM2 in a new context while identifying boundary conditions in
professional service settings. Practically, it provides an evidence-based roadmap for
policymakers, educators, and industry associations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable
construction materials.
Keywords
Green Building Materials, Technology Adoption, TAM2, Construction Professionals, Lalitpur Metropolitan City