Energy efficiency in housing and socio-economic development in Nigeria

Abstract

Energy efficient houses consume less energy while maintaining or improving the comfort conditions of occupants. Energy efficient buildings result in less environmental impact and are economically and environmentally sustainable. Residential buildings account for the majority of electricity consumption in Nigeria. Because of the poor state of energy generation and transmission in Nigeria energy efficiency measures are necessary to reduce the energy required in houses. This would substantially reduce the dependence on the grid electricity supply. Energy efficient buildings have tremendous benefits in social, economic, and environmental terms. In economic terms the production of energy-efficient buildings result in growing market demand with higher quality and innovative buildings, and in social terms it leads to improved urban space and local climate, and liveable buildings. Energy efficient buildings also ensure resource efficiency, and reduction of Green House Gas emissions. Energy efficiency in buildings starts from the design of buildings, and through to construction and operation. The objective of this paper is the examination of energy efficiency in housing in Nigeria and its impact upon socio-economic development in the country. The paper focuses on energy-efficient design strategies, and initiatives to achieve low carbon emission in housing in Nigeria The paper examines the housing situation in Nigeria and the phenomenon of urbanisation which has led to unplanned urban growth, grievous housing poverty, slum formation, and near collapse of urban services and infrastructure particularly electricity supply. It affirms the need to adopt energy efficiency in housing and it examines passive design strategies and low carbon initiatives in housing construction. It takes a critical look at the adoption of sustainability practices in housing. The paper asserts that energy efficiency would enhance the growth of electricity consumption and boost the socio-economic development of the country. The paper concludes that energy efficiency is capable of engendering socio-economic development of the country particularly productivity and income growth.