ABSTRACT
Economic growth of most cities in developing countries is hampered by unsustainable commercial buildings. Hence, this study investigated challenges hindering green retrofitting adoption in Harare's commercial buildings. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 40 purposively selected building owners, designers and property managers of commercial buildings via web-based questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using mean score computations and their ratings. The findings revealed financial constraints (upfront costs, ROI uncertainty), limited local green materials/technologies, stakeholder resistance, and ambiguous regulations as key barriers. A framework integrating the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory is proposed to address stakeholder resistance. The study recommends tailored financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and policy reforms to promote sustainable retrofitting. Further, the results could be utilised to develop a green retrofitting framework to promote the implementation of green retrofitting on commercial buildings for sustainable economic development in developing economies including Zimbabwe.
