Comparative Evaluation of Ecopreneurial Business Models for Climate-Resilient Commercial Real Estate in Abuja

Abstract

Climate change presents escalating risks to urban centers, particularly within the commercial real estate (CRE) sector, due to its long asset lifespan and capital intensity. In Abuja, Nigeria, rapid urbanization and exposure to extreme heat and flooding underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies that enhance climate resilience. Despite growing advocacy for ecopreneurial business models as drivers of sustainability, their comparative viability in addressing CRE adaptation challenges in Abuja remains underexplored. This study bridges that gap through a qualitative explanatory design, conducting a systematic comparative analysis of five ecopreneurial models: Green Building Development, Climate-Resilient Retrofitting, Circular Economy, Technology-Enabled Service, and Green Finance Integration. Drawing from scholarly literature, industry reports, and case studies from 2020–2024, the analysis examines each model’s mechanisms, adaptation outcomes, and contextual feasibility. Findings indicate that while Green Building Development demonstrates effectiveness, it faces high cost and expertise barriers. The Climate-Resilient Retrofitting model emerges as the most practical and scalable for Abuja’s existing building stock. Circular Economy and Technology-Enabled Service models show future potential but require stronger ecosystem support. The Green Finance Integration model serves as a pivotal enabler, though it depends on robust regulatory frameworks. The study concludes that hybridizing retrofitting, circular economy, and technology-driven strategies anchored by targeted green finance and enabling policies offers the most effective pathway toward resilience. Policy recommendations emphasize tiered incentives, capacity building, and innovative financial instruments to de-risk adaptation investments and promote a sustainable, climate-resilient commercial real estate market in Abuja.