Energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings

Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Multidisciplinary Journal 1:(1)176-186. Abdulwasiu,Aliyu & Abdullah,(2016)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT IN ACADEMIC BUILDINGS: A CASE
STUDY OF SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, NUHU BAMALLI
POLYTECHNIC ZARIA
1
Abdulwasiu A., 2
Aliyu M. K. and 3
Abdullah I. A..
1. Department of Builiding Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
2. Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
3. Department of Architecture, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
Abstract
Energy, an essential ingredient for socio-economic development and growth plays a significant
role in the nation's security, and it also serves as a tradable commodity for earning national
income, which is used to support developmental programs. More than thirty-five percent (35%) of
primary energy is consumed inefficiently and most of this problem predominantly arises from
building design, technical operation of HVAC and user behavior. This paper examines the
efficiency and improvement of energy utilization in institutional building with particular reference
to the end- use optimization. It was effected by means of literature review and field survey in which
perceptions of relevant building industry professionals on identified indices of globalization threat
and opportunities; were analyzed along with secondary data obtained from relevant materials.
The result reveals that there is inefficient utilization of energy in institutional building sectors,
which largely contribute to greenhouse gas emission CO2.Various measures that need to be
considered and appropriately addressed in moving towards efficient and sustainable energy in
institutional buildings have been recommended among which are effective energy management
energy system, behavioral change, introduction of new technology and effective policy design. The
study suggest that a lot of potential savings can be realized by reducing the number of fluorescent
lamps in lecture rooms, routing maintenance of HVAC and integrating energy objective into
operating, maintenance plan of Electrical and mechanical services.
Keywords: Energy, Sustainable building, potential Savings
INTRODUCTION
Energy in the form of electricity or fossil oil is commonly used in buildings to operate equipment
for the safety, efficiency, convenience and comfort of its occupants and users (Oyedepo, 2012).
The use of this energy in buildings has increased in recent years as a result of rapid population
growth and increased in information technology (Bernadett, 2013). Research by Zhenhong, (2007)
proves that more than thirty percent (30%) of primary energy, mostly generated from fossil fuel is
consumed by non-industrial buildings; these include houses, offices, schools and hospitals. The
large proportion of the energy used in buildings is generated from fossil fuels with the attending
consequences of environmental degradation, faster depletion of energy resources, and increased
cost of energy consume (Bernadett, 2013).
The building industry today appears to be entering another era of change, with a view toward
minimizing a different kind of footprint: the energy, carbon, and environmental footprint of

commercial and residential buildings. Once again, change is being driven by a need to optimize
and conserve resources this time, clean air, water, and energy as well as land (US DOE, 2008).
In lieu of the above, academic institutions can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve
the students’ learning environment. Also, academic institutions can use the savings from improved
energy performance to help pay for building improvements and other upgrades that enhance the
learning environment. According to CIBSE (2004), energy efficiency encompasses conserving a
scarce resource, improving the technical efficiency of energy conversion, generation, transmission
and end-use devices, substituting more expensive fuels with cheaper ones, and reducing or
reversing the negative impact of energy production and consumption activities on the environment.
In Nigeria the story is quite different at the moment as the huge benefits derivable from optimizing
energy and conservation measures by various institutional sectors remain largely untapped due
largely to lack of awareness of the economic and social benefits attached to energy optimization
(Uduma, 2010).
The concept of sustainable development therefore dictates that effort must made to promote
efficiency in the utilization of energy especially end-user management (Hepbasli and Ozalp,2003).
In order to avoid lock-in effects, energy efficiency improvements, especially end-use energy
efficiency, should be immediately attended to through effective energy management system,
behavioral change, introduction of new technology and effective policy (Bernadett, 2013). The
large amount of energy usage and waste in institutional buildings indicates that potential saving
can be achieved (Oyedepo, 2012).
The purpose of this study is to assess the potential and sustainable measures of saving energy in
academic buildings blocks of School of Environmental Studies (SES),Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic
Zaria (NBPZ) and to suggest ways of optimizing its utilization.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Energy Efficiency of Buildings
Today’s world view of energy efficiency is very different from the energy conservation mentality
of 1970s, energy efficiency model of today involves benefits not sacrifices the energy efficiency
of a building is the extent to which the energy consumption per square meter of floor area of the
building measures up to established energy consumption benchmarks for that particular type of
building under defined climatic conditions. Building energy consumption benchmarks are
representative values for common building types against which a building’s actual performance
can be compared .Energy efficiency of can be improved through Energy-efficient approaches.
These measures are the ways through which the energy consumption of a building can be reduced
while maintaining or improving the level of comfort in the building (Hassan, 2013). Most scenarios
show that there is a huge potential to improve building energy performance, and consequently,
reduce CO2 emissions (GEA, 2012 and EA, 2012). Using state-of-the-art solutions and
technologies in the building sector, 46% decrease of global energy consumption can be achieved
through monetized and non-monetized approach (GEA, 2012). Perhaps Levine et, al (2007)
revealed that, 30% cost-effective and greenhouse gas reduction can be achieved through efficient
building technologies. However long term energy savings can be achieved by improving the
building design as well as conserving energy during the operation phase, improving the
performance of building envelope system, efficient Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) system, application of Green technologies (Hassan, 2013).
Designs of Buildings

The shape of a building determines how much area is exposed to the outdoors through exterior
walls and ceilings. To save energy, try to keep this exposed area to a minimum. The most
economical house to build and heat is one with a simple square or rectangular floor plan. Complex
shapes increase the exposed surface area as well as the construction and energy costs when a house
has a complex shape. A building’s location and surroundings also play a key role in regulating its
temperature and heat gain. For example, trees, landscaping, and hills can provide shade and block
wind. In cooler climates, designing buildings with south-facing windows increases the amount of
sun entering the building, minimizing energy use by maximizing passive solar heating. Tight
building design, including energy efficient windows, well-sealed doors, and additional thermal
insulation of walls, basement slabs, and foundations can reduce heat loss by 25 to 50% (Buildings
Energy Efficiency, 2006).
Insulation of the building’s fabric
Two-thirds of heat losses occur by conduction through foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roofs,
windows and doors. Heat flow in and out of the building from conduction can be reduced with
high levels of insulation in the attic, sidewalls, basement walls and doors. Windows should have a
low U-value. To improve the thermal performance of buildings and their energy efficiency, several
strategies are now being used depending on the feasibility study and cost analysis of buildings in
both the design and operation stage. Improvement of thermal insulation, low emissivity glazing,
reduction of air leakage and photovoltaic panels are the major options to improve the performance
of the building envelope (Krarti, 2012). The addition of thermal insulation for building surfaces
can be a cost-effective measure of improving energy efficiency (Krarti, 2011).
Lighting system
Lighting is a critical component of energy use in large office buildings; homes and offices consume
20% - 30% of total energy consumption (Hawken et al. (2000). To improve the energy efficiency
of the lighting system, it is necessary to use reduced wattage rating of luminaries. Reduction of
uses of luminaries and reduction of number of luminaries are other options to improve efficiency.
However, human comfort, occupants, speed and accuracy requirements and background contrast
are some factors that need to be considered as well. Energy-efficient lighting systems, for example
high efficiency fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps, can improve the energy
efficiency of a lighting system (Al-Azhari et al., 2002).
Another technique of improving energy efficiency of lighting systems is use of occupancy sensors.
Occupancy sensors save energy by automatically turning off the lights in spaces that are not
occupied. Infrared sensors and ultrasound sensors are available now and they can be used in
different occupant conditions. Love (1998) estimated that 30% energy savings can be achieved if
time delays on occupancy control systems are taken into account
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
The School of Environmental Studies (Figure. 1) is located within the main Campus of the
Polytechnic and provides educational facilities for National Diploma (ND) and Higher National
Diploma (HND) programmes. The case study building is approximately 6302m2
with six
departments which comprise of Building and Estate to the East, Architecture and Urban and
Regional Planning (URP) to the South, while Quantity Surveying and Surveying and Geo-
Informatics to the West. The complex also house 76 offices for staff and 24 lecture rooms. The
activities of the users mainly associate with electricity are reading, lectures, space illumination,
space cooling, charging etc. These activities take place within normal working hours with some
extending into late hour.

Figure 1: Site Plan School of Environmental Studies (SES)
Figure 2: Floor Plan School of Environmental Studies (SES)

Plate. 1: School of Environmental Studies (SES)
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Data for the study was collected through field survey using open ended structured questionnaire
administered to staff and student of environmental studies Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria.
The questionnaire was prepared based on a 4-point likert type scale and administered to nine1y
five (95) respondent through interview, and 100% response was achieved. It was designed to
appraise energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings, nature of electrical energy
consumption, factor that influence energy consumption and user behavior.
Data Analysis Procedure
Most of the questions in the questionnaire involve energy efficiency improvement in academic
buildings on a four (4) point Likert’s scale. The data analysis therefore employed the following
steps.
a. Computation of the mean using the weighted average formula
X =∑
Where: x= mean
x = points on the Likert’s scale (1, 2, 3, and 4)
f = frequency of respondents’ choice of each point on the scale
b. Computation of the relative importance index (RII) for each item of interest, using
the formula
RII = ∑ . =
Where k= maximum point on the Likert’s scale (in this case, k=4)
c. Ranking of the items under consideration based on their RII values. The item with the
highest RII value is ranked first (1) the next (2) and so on.
d. Interpretation of the RII values as follows:
RII < 0.60, item is assessed to have low rating
0.60 ≤ RII <0.80, item assessed to have high rating.
RII ≥ 0.80, item assessed to have very high rating.

RESULTS
Table 1 Respondent Distribution
S/No Respondent Percentage Response
1 ND 30
2 HND 55
3 Academic staff 6
4 Supporting staff 4
Table 2: Rating of Importance Measures of Energy Efficiency Improvement in Academic
Buildings
S/No Drivers Relative index Ranking Frequency of
effect
1 Maintenance of HVAC systems 0.90 1 Very high
frequency
2 HVAC systems operating at 0.89 3 ,,
appropriate level during operation
and non –operation hours
3 Temperature control system in place 0.78 1 High frequency
operating as designed
4 Putting pug load appliance off or in safe mode 0.88 5 Very high
frequency
while not in use
5 Putting electrical and mechanical equipment 0.89 3 Very high
frequency
off when not in use
Source: Field Survey (2016)
1 = not often; 2 = fairly often; 3 = often; 4 = very often;
Table 3: Rating of Barrier to Energy Efficiency Improvement in Academic Buildings
S/No Barrier Relative index Ranking Frequency of
Effect
1 Lack of information 0.79 3 High frequency
2 Energy objective not integrated 0.84 1 Very high
frequency
into operating, maintenance of
Electrical and Mechanical Services
3 Low priority given to environmental 0.67 5 Low
performance
4 Lack of technical skill 0.77 4 High frequency
5 Low priority given to energy management 0.80 2 Very High
frequency
______________________________________________________________________
Source: Field Survey (2016)
1 = Strongly Disagree; 2 = Disagree; 3 = Agree; 4 = Strongly Agree;

DISCUSSION OF RESULT
From table 1a total of 95 responses were received, The results indicate that 30% ND students, 55%
HND students, 6% academic staff and 4% supporting staff participated in the research work. The
result shows that major users of the building are ND and HND students with the staff based in the
building constitutes a minor proportion.
Rating of Energy Efficiency Improvement Drivers in Academic Buildings
Based on the relevance of energy efficiency improvement drivers four out of five drivers had RII
either equal or approximately equal to 0.90 (very high). This revel that Maintenance of HVAC
system and temperature control system operating as designed ranked first. It is followed by HVAC
system operating at appropriate and putting off both electrical/ mechanical equipment off when
not in use. While putting plug load appliance in safe mode were rated low as a driver for energy
improvement in academic buildings.
Energy Efficiency Barrier in Academic Buildings
It could be observed in table 3 that energy objective not integrated into operating and maintenance
of electrical/mechanical services equipment and low priority given to energy management were
rated very high respectively. While, lack of information, technical skill were rated high and low
priority to environmental performance as a barrier to energy efficiencies improvement was rated
low.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The study concluded on the fact that, there is increase in the use of energy in SES resulting from
lack of maintaining HVAC system, electrical and mechanical equipment not off when not in use
leading to serious losses of financial and environmental degradation. The main causes of
inefficiency are lack of energy objective not integrated into operating and maintenance of electrical
and mechanical services and lack of information on important of energy management.
The study recommends for the implementation of guideline and measure that will ensure
compliance and enforcement of standard for improving energy consumptions, if the guidelines and
measures are strictly adhered to, 5-10% energy savings can be achieved in each departments and
this will translate to an annual savings of thousands of naira in addition to CO2 emission avoidance
from the utilities.

REFERENCES
Akinbami J-F.K. (2003). An Analysis of the Demand and Supply of Electricity and the Greenhouse
Gases Emissions of the Nigerian Electrical Power Industry. A Ph.D. Thesis, Technology
Planning and Development Unit (TPDU), ObafemiAwolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Al-Azhari, F.B., Al-Abbadi, N.M., and Al-Natheer, O.A. (2002). Case studies of energy
conservation opportunities in commercial sector in Riyadh. Proceedings of first
Symposium on Energy Conservation and Management in Building.
Bernadett KISS.(2013): Building Energy Efficiency Policy, learning and technology change
unpublished Doctoral Dissertation.
Buildings Energy Efficiency,(1992). OTA-E-518, NTIS order # PB92-169267, GPO stock#052-
003-01280-4, US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, Buildings Energy
Efficiency, OTA-E-518 (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, May 1992).
Chapter 10
CIBSE Guide (2004) CIBSE Guide A: Environmental Design, CIBSE.
Energy End-Use: Building Global Energy Assessment - Toward a Sustainable Future rpp. 649-
760).
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and NewYork, NY, USA and the
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
UNIDO (2006). Energy efficiency in buildings Retrieved January 15, 2016 from
www.unido.org/fileadmin/import/83276_Module19.
GEA.(2012). Global Energy Assessment - Toward a Sustainable Future. Cambridge University
Press,
Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA and the International Institute for Applied
Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
.
Hawken, P, Lovins, A., and Lovins, L. H. (2000).Natural Capitalism. Back Bay Press, Time warner
Book Group. ISBN 0-316-35300-0.
Hepbasli, A and Ozalp, N.(2003), ‘Development of energy efficiency and management.
implementation in the Turkish industrial sector.
IEA report (2006), Invest in clean energy, retrieved from
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/invest-in-clean- technology-says-iea-report.html accessed
on April 10, 2011.
Krarti, M., (2011).Energy auditing of building system, 2nd Edition. ISBN: 978-1-4398-2871-7
(Hard
back).

Krarti, M., (2012).Weatherization and energy efficiency improvement for existing homes – An
Engineering approach. ISBN 13: 978-1-4398-5163-0.
Levine, M., Ürge-Vorsatz, D., Blok, K., Geng, L., Harvey, L. D. D., Lang, S., et al. (2007)
Residential and commercial buildings. In B. Metz, O. R. Davidson, P. R. Bosch, R. Dave
& L. A. Meyer (Eds.), Climate Change 2007: Mitigation. Contribution of Working
GroupIII tothe Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change
Cambridge and New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
Love, J.A. (1998).Day lighting Control Systems: Directions for the Future Based on lessons
from the past.In proceeding of the International Day lighting Conference.Ottawa: Natural
Resources Canada, May: 299-306.
Mahmudul Hasan, (2013). ‘Investigation of Energy Efficient approaches for the energy
performance improvement of commercial buildings’.
Oyedepo S O.Energyefficiency andconservation measures: tools for sustainable energy
developmentinNigeria.IntJEnergyEngineering2012; 2 (3):86–98.
Uduma K, Arciszewski T. Sustainable energy development: the key to a stable Nigeria.
Sustainability 2010; 2:1558–70.
US DOE, 2008, Energy Efficiency Trends in Residential and Commercial Buildings
ZhenhongGu; Approaches to Energy Efficient BuildingDevelopment Studying under Chinese
Contexts unpublished thesis Industrial Ecology School of IndustrialEngineering and
Management Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, October 2007.

Energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings

Recommandé

Recommandé

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Tendances (12)

Similaire à Energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings

Similaire à Energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings (20)

Plus de Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria

Plus de Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria (20)

Dernier

Dernier (20)

Energy efficiency improvement in academic buildings