Abstract:
Climate change has exerted significant impacts on our delicate ecosystem, with the rapid escalation of these effects being attributed to human activities that release Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. Concurrently, the energy needs of buildings within the urban landscape have surged, particularly in cooling, ventilation, and lighting requirements. This built environment significantly contributes to the depletion of natural resources due to the prevalent use of artificial energy for cooling and lighting. Studies estimate that the building sector alone consumes 40% of global energy and contributes a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 80% of this energy consumption stems from air conditioning and artificial lighting systems.
This research focuses on the integration of passive energy-efficient design elements to foster the development of sustainable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient office buildings in Abuja, Nigeria. Employing a descriptive survey approach, the study examines various variables in a multidimensional manner to comprehensively capture their functions and attributes. Qualitative analyses assess the influence of energy-efficient design elements, including building orientation, shading mechanisms, architectural form, envelope materials/colors, landscape features, courtyards, and skylights, on energy efficiency in Abuja’s office buildings.
Primary data, encompassing aspects such as building orientation, color, landscape components, and natural ventilation methods, are collected through structured observation schedules, offering insights from on-site observations. Supplementary information is derived from existing literature related to the research domain. The study employs a stratified random sampling method to categorize office buildings based on attributes like height (high-rise vs. low-rise), subsequently selecting representative samples from the high-rise category. A total of ten office buildings spanning the Federal Capital Territory are randomly chosen for data collection.
Statistical analyses, presented through tables and charts, are employed to interpret the amassed data. Findings indicate that energy-efficient design elements have not been sufficiently prioritized in the construction of office buildings in Abuja, resulting in a heavy reliance on artificial cooling and lighting systems. Recommendations include the integration of energy-efficient features like courtyards, overhangs, landscaping, and optimal building orientation to curtail operational costs, diminish energy consumption, and mitigate environmental impact. Legislative mandates should encourage designers and developers to incorporate energy-efficient design principles, while industry stakeholders could incentivize adherence to passive design concepts through accolades and acknowledgments for exemplary energy-efficient buildings.
Fusion of Energy-Efficient Design Elements into an Abuja, Nigeria Office Complex. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
