The Role Of Issb In Reducing Carbon Footprint Of Sports Infrastructures In Lagos State

The rapid expansion of sports infrastructure in Lagos State has intensified scrutiny of the environmental impacts associated with material choice and construction methods.Traditional construction materials, particularly cement-based concrete and fired clay blocks, are major contributors to embodied carbon emissions in the built environment, with cement production alone accounting for a significant share of global construction-related CO₂ emissions.This study investigates the role of Interlocking Stabilized Soil Block (ISSB) technology as a strategic low-carbon alternative for developing sports facilities in Lagos, synthesizing findings from global sustainable construction research and regional empirical studies by Nigerian scholars such as Ibitoye and Olaoye.ISSBs are manufactured by compacting locally available soil with a minimal amount of stabilizing agents (e.g., cement or lime) to form interlocking units that eliminate the need for energy-intensive firing processes common in conventional masonry.This technology aligns with principles outlined by UN-Habitat, which highlights the environmental benefits of ISSBs, including reduced embodied energy and emissions relative to fired bricks and concrete blocks.Compared with traditional masonry units, ISSB production has been shown to significantly reduce cement consumption and associated embodied carbon, translating into measurable carbon savings across building envelopes.Literature on compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs), a category encompassing ISSBs demonstrates that optimized block designs can achieve over 50% reduction in cement use, resulting in lower embodied carbon per unit area of walling material.Beyond materials, the inherent properties of ISSBs contribute to better thermal performance, helping regulate internal temperatures and lowering the operational energy required for cooling in hot, humid climates like Lagos.Sociocultural and economic advantages of ISSB are also well documented.Locally sourced blocks reduce reliance on imported materials, lower transportation energy, and empower local labour, which can reduce both direct construction costs and indirect environmental impacts linked to logistics.Studies by Olaleye and Ibitoye and others in Southwestern Nigeria demonstrate that ISSB adoption supports cost savings through reduced mortar use, faster assembly, and minimal finishing requirements, which together contribute to decreases in resource consumption and lifecycle emissions.Despite these advantages, barriers such as limited professional awareness, aesthetic perceptions, and inadequate policy support hinder widespread ISSB adoption.This study concludes that ISSB technology offers a viable, context-appropriate strategy for lowering both embodied and operational carbon footprints in sports infrastructure development in Lagos State.It recommends the integration of ISSB standards into public procurement frameworks, building codes, and green infrastructure policies to mainstream low-carbon building practices in the region's construction industry.