Renewable Energy Integration in Building Construction: The Nigeria Experience

Renewable Energy Integration in Building Construction: The Nigeria Experience

  IJRES-book-cover  International Journal of Recent Engineering Science (IJRES)          
  
© 2023 by IJRES Journal
Volume-10 Issue-6
Year of Publication : 2023
Authors : ATAMEWAN Eugene Ehimatie
DOI : 10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V10I6P102

How to Cite?

ATAMEWAN Eugene Ehimatie, "Renewable Energy Integration in Building Construction: The Nigeria Experience," International Journal of Recent Engineering Science, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 8-15, 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V10I6P102

Abstract
The construction industry accounts for most of the world’s energy consumption and contributes to environmental hazards due to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the solution to these problems lies with the introduction and application of renewable energy resources, which involves both sustainable architectural design practices in combination with allied built environment professions like engineering and technology, especially Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This study examines the techniques involved in integrating renewable energy resources into both smart and existing non-smart buildings to make buildings more energy efficient. The study employs qualitative survey research, which combines the use of questionnaires and interviews to determine the level of awareness and application of renewable energy sources in design and construction by architects in South-South Nigeria and an extensive review of the literature. Findings reveal that although technological advancement in ICT through building energy and environmental systems could be integrated into both existing and new buildings to make smart buildings, most architects in Nigeria only integrate solar energy sources in their designs and construction of non-smart buildings. The study concludes that architects in Nigeria should embrace renewable energy resources, which can contribute significantly to energy efficiency by meeting the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC), and lighting building needs by creating cleaner energy with fewer emissions for the benefit of humans and the environment.

Keywords
Building construction, Energy efficiency, ICT, Renewable energy sources, Smart buildings.

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