In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Buildings & Cities’, researchers have revealed alarming insights into the energy consumption and material use of residential buildings in Nigeria, a nation grappling with rapid population growth and escalating climate challenges. The research, led by Chibuikem Chrysogonus Nwagwu from the Department of Energy & Process Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, employs a bottom-up approach to model various residential building typologies, offering a comprehensive overview of the nation’s housing stock.
Nigeria’s residential sector, which is responsible for a significant portion of the country’s energy consumption, faces a daunting task: achieving a net-zero building sector by 2030. The study estimates that each dwelling uses approximately 0.3 kilotonnes of materials over its 50-year lifespan and consumes about 2404 kWh of energy annually. This translates to an annual emission of 2500 kgCO2-eq per dwelling, a figure that underscores the urgent need for intervention.
Nwagwu emphasizes the importance of this research in the context of Nigeria’s commitment to reducing emissions by 20% by 2030. “Our findings highlight the critical need for improved energy efficiency and a shift in construction materials to achieve these targets. The potential for using sustainable materials like timber and earthen blocks could significantly reduce construction-related emissions,” he states. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also presents a commercial opportunity for the construction sector, which can pivot towards more sustainable practices.
The study’s scenario analysis reveals that meeting Nigeria’s emissions targets will require a multi-faceted approach, including decarbonizing the building envelope and the electricity grid. The implications of these findings are profound; they suggest that a transition to sustainable building practices could enhance the quality of life for Nigerian households while simultaneously combating climate change on a global scale.
Moreover, the research highlights the economic advantages of adopting more sustainable materials. As the construction industry increasingly faces pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, embracing innovative building materials could lead to cost savings and improved market competitiveness. Nwagwu’s insights suggest a pivotal moment for the sector: “By adopting these practices, we can not only meet our emissions targets but also drive economic growth and improve living conditions for many.”
This study serves as a clarion call for stakeholders in Nigeria’s construction industry to rethink their strategies and embrace sustainability. With the insights provided by Nwagwu and his team, the path towards a greener, more efficient building sector is clearer than ever, setting the stage for transformative changes in the industry.