The Niger Delta region produces over 82.8% of the natural gas that is associated with oil production in Nigeria. Due to economic and political reasons, this gas is not retained for energy use but flared causing pollution which creates many environmental, social and economic impacts on the building fabric of public schools, diminishing their value and impacts on the health of the users of such buildings in the vicinity of oil fields. Current construction research has failed to reflect the impact of such negative environmental conditions on the state and value of public schools in the selection of roofing materials. After reviewing building construction research approaches, the design science approach is recommended as an alternative approach for examining the state of public schools in gas flare regions and recommending the appropriate building material choice that may enhance the value of such building.