A Review of Renewable Energy Strategies in Achieving Energy Efficient Buildings in Nigeria

Abstract

Undoubtedly, world energy consumption in buildings of about 50% is used for heating, cooling, lighting, industries and building construction where cooling and lighting typically accounts for the total building energy use in Nigeria. The strategies in achieving energy efficient buildings are yet to be properly addressed and explored in Nigeria due to inadequate building standards, codes and effective policies. The paper seeks to discuss and contribute to the existing knowledge on the renewable energy measures used in achieving energy efficient buildings and how to solve the issues of energy need and efficiency in Nigeria. The paper reviewed relevant literature and discussed the strategies in achieving energy efficiency in buildings through active and passive designs using renewable energy. It discussed that minimization of energy demand through passive design should be taken into account, also increasing efficiency of systems, planning energy efficient mechanical system and the use of renewable energy to optimize building energy performance can help reduce the cooling energy demand, increase savings in cooling energy cost, and reduces building’s carbon footprint. This paper recommends the use of renewable energy approaches throughout the stages of design planning from the idea formation to actual construction in order to achieve sustainable building designs for our environment.