Adopting Energy Efficient Buildings in Achieving Sustainable Environments: Cases within Federal University of Technology Akure

Abstract

This study covers the use of renewable energy technologies in study buildings, practices of energy efficiency, building materials that promote environmental sustainability, as well as the application of energy conservation methods in construction and operation of buildings. It is aimed at ascertaining and adopting energy efficient buildings to have better efficient and sustainable buildings in Nigeria. A qualitative analysis approach was employed by the researchers, while data was obtained through keen observations and case study analysis on three sustainable buildings within the FUTA campus. The three case study buildings are the A.T.E.D building, the C.R.E.T building, and the block of shops building for S.E.E.T School, all within the FUTA campus, and these buildings were selected because of the sustainable design strategies that were adopted and implemented in the construction. Findings show that there are existing and functional buildings with energy efficient features in FUTA, and these features can be replicated in future designs and constructions in the country, if the challenges in this area can be taken care of. The study recommends that government should provide more energy efficient building codes to support environmental sustainability. Also, the environmental professionals should see sustaining the environment as a priority and hence push for practices that will ensure a safer and more sustainable environment.