Perceptions of building-integrated nature-based solutions by suppliers versus consumers in Egypt

Abstract

Can Building-Integrated Nature-based Solutions (BI-NbS) reach their full potential in the Global South? In the Egyptian context, BI-NbS are relatively new with an identified gap between the high potential in theory and low implementation rates in practice. To bridge this gap, the study conducts an in-depth investigation of BI-NbS market conditions to reveal the current trends in the residential buildings market in Egypt. It also identifies the gaps and overlaps in the perceptions of the suppliers and consumers of BI-NbS. Results reveal that the residential sector sales mainly target high-income groups yet very limited and dominated by rooftop systems. Suppliers advocate for high-tech systems over low-tech systems, whereas consumers prefer the latter. The perceptions of suppliers and consumers mostly align regarding the basic aspects such as the production and operation preferences as well as the anxieties and concerns about the relatively new BI-NbS in this regional context. However, they diverge in key aspects affecting market penetration such as implementation conditions, aims, and barriers. Accordingly, the study identified the gap between suppliers and consumers, and outlined recommendations, directed to suppliers and policymakers, for improved market development and local implementation of BI-NbS in emerging markets of the Global South, such as Egypt.

Fig. 1

Building-Integrated Nature-based Solutions (BI-NbS) covered in the study. The panel shows the systems that achieved the highest sales in the Egyptian market according to market players . Credits of (a, f–g): El Zain, and (b–e, h): Mai Marzouk.

Fig. 2

Outline of studied aspects. The social acceptance dynamics covered seven aspects identified from the Suppliers survey (supply side) and the Consumers survey (demand side).

Fig. 3

Results of BI-NbS costs and productivity. Respondents were asked to indicate the systems with the highest and lowest costs and productivity, and highest feasibility. The order used in the charts was based on a list of systems that achieved the highest sales in the market , and the systems not selected in any of the 5 themes by respondents were removed from that list. NFT: Nutrient Film Technique, DWC: Deep Water Culture.

Fig. 4

Results of the social acceptance dynamics from the perception of suppliers (n = 15) versus consumers (n = 274), showing the aspects: Anxiety about systems, Implementation conditions, Financial facilitations, Implementation aims, Production preferences, Operation preferences, and Implementation barriers. For more background information on the responses of consumers, please see ^,.

Fig. 5

Results of the awareness campaign preferences. Suppliers (n = 15) were asked a yes/no question about the need for a campaign and were asked to select their most important focuses and tools for such a campaign.