Transition towards Energy Efficiency: Developing the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code

Abstract

In Nigeria, there is an estimated deficit of 17 million housing units. Power supply is insufficient, and the electricity supply for about 60 million Nigerians relies on private generators, causing noise, pollution, and high expenditures for mainly imported fuel. Altogether, current challenges clearly demonstrate the need for effective energy efficiency policies targeting also the building sector. The Nigerian Energy Support Program began in 2013, among others, with the objective being to support the Nigerian Government in developing the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code. This paper presents two preparatory activities carried out in order to come up with suggestions for a legal framework well suited for the situation on the ground: the Case Study Building Analysis carried out in collaboration with a Nigerian developer and the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Guideline, elaborated together with stakeholders. The results of preparatory activities pointed out that the code must put emphasis on climate adaptive design and must define requirements and procedures in a clear and simple way to allow for effective enforcement. Only then can energy-efficient mass housing be feasible in Nigeria. The paper concludes with a description of the Nigerian Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC), officially approved and launched by the Federal Minister of Power, Works and Housing on 29 August 2017.

Exploring the Severity of Factors Influencing Sustainable Affordable Housing Choice: Evidence from Abuja, Nigeria

“…Affordable housing provision has remained top on the agenda of the Nigerian government. However, there is a deficit of 17 million housing units in Nigerian urban centers [38]. To date, millions of urban poor reside in inadequate housing despite a host of government interventions, because of shortages and poor distribution.…”

The Obstacles to Energy Saving in Residential Buildings in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ Perspectives

“…This is made worse in the current financial situation, with Nigeria going into recession in 2020, the negative financial impact of COVID-19 and huge funds being channelled to address the present security challenges. It was also noted within the literature that the extreme fluctuation in the fuel price, which is the main source of revenue for Nigeria, also reduces the resources allocated to the energy sector (Geissler et al, 2018). all these reasons, amongst other reasons, were reiterated by the stakeholders, particularly by the government regulators in the energy sector, during the interview sessions.…”

Investigation into the viability of the properties of porous glass-ceramics produced from granite dust and maize cob for use in thermal insulation of external walls of residential buildings

“…Despite the urgent need for energy-efficient building design in the country, building designs in Nigeria hitherto seem to have emphasized more on the aesthetic appearances, while paying little or no attention to energy efficiency [8]. According to [9], the power supply to the rapidly growing population in Nigeria is insufficient and consequently overdependence on private generators for electricity supply has resulted into high expenditures on fossil fuels and noise pollution. Therefore, encouraging massive use of wall insulation in buildings will help in promoting energy-efficient building design which will help in reducing carbon emission, noise disturbance and energy bills [10].…”