Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Concept of Sustainability

Abstract

The environmental impact caused by buildings accounts for 18% of global emissions today or an annual equivalent of 9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and the usage of energy in such buildings accounts for more than 30%, even up to 70% in some cases. Generating electricity from fossil fuels such as diesel, natural gas and petrol, negatively affects the environment. A large part of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere come from energy generation. This research aimed at identifying commercially and behaviorally low-cost ways of reducing energy consumption in the residential, public and private sectors in Nigeria, thereby reducing our carbon footprint on the environment and also sustaining it at the same time. Questionnaires, interviews, literature review and observations were used as sources of data to gather information. Findings revealed ignorance of energy efficiency measures among respondents chiefly responsible for energy wastage in Nigeria. Energy-management strategies were identified from the literature and tested against current practice. The study discovered a vast majority of households and public institutions resort to informal power supply which contributes to global warming. The alarming rate at which generators are being used in Nigeria is a cause for concern, although this is due to the intermittent nature of electricity supply in the country. The research highlighted guidelines for the development of energy efficiency policy and legislation which in turn will strengthen regulatory measures to use energy efficiently. The research proposes a good energy management framework for the residential, public and private sector, thereby eliminating the need to alternate electricity supply in Nigeria. The study concluded that energy efficiency is important both to the environment and economic development of the country.