Assessment of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks on the Total Well-Being of Selected Residents in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The relationship between housing materials and human well-being remains insufficiently explored in sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid urbanization has led to widespread adoption of energy- intensive concrete block construction despite the availability of lower-carbon alternatives. Compressed stabilized earth blocks present a potential solution, offering reduced embodied carbon alongside improved thermal and hygroscopic properties compared to conventional masonry. This study assessed the influence of CSEB housing on the total well-being of residents in selected communities across Ogun State, Nigeria, within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining cross-sectional surveys measuring physical, mental, social, and economic well-being domains with indoor environmental monitoring. Comparative analysis was conducted between 75 CSEB dwellings and 75 sandcrete block controls, matched for household size, income level, and building age. Findings revealed that CSEB residents reported significantly lower frequencies of respiratory symptoms (58.7% reporting no symptoms versus 18.7% of sandcrete residents), improved self-reported sleep quality (69.3% rating sleep as "good" versus 28.0%), and reduced expenditure on mechanical cooling (mean monthly saving of NGN 8,600). Indoor monitoring revealed mean daytime temperatures 2.3°C lower in CSEB structures during the hot season (28.4°C versus 30.7°C), with narrower diurnal fluctuations. Additionally, 90.7% of CSEB residents would recommend their housing type to others compared to 41.3% of sandcrete residents. These outcomes suggest that stabilized earth construction could simultaneously advance climate action, health promotion, and equitable housing provision.

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