Development of a Behavioural Change Tool for Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Case of Nigeria Office Buildings

Abstract

The increasing impacts of global climate change and the building sector’s contribution to reducing this impacts has led to more urgent need and awareness to use energy more efficiently and consequently reduce CO2 emissions from buildings. However, inefficient operational practices and users’ behavioural factor towards energy consumption in buildings remains one of the most challenging areas to reducing energy consumption in buildings. In a developing country such as Nigeria, energy use can be curtailed up to half of the energy currently consumed by building users if energy is efficiently utilized. However, in spite of government efforts for increased consumer’s energy efficiency, it seems the concept of achieving energy efficiency appears to be poorly developed resulting to ineffectiveness of several government’s efforts. The paper aims to identify the potentials and barriers to improve energy efficiency in office buildings. The objective is to develop a tool that could positively influence end-user’s energy consumption behavior. Drawing from the perspectives of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB); questionnaire survey instrument was developed and administered online to collect building energy use and behavioural data from end users in five office buildings in Nigeria. Findings indicate that end-users’ energy efficiency awareness is high and their energy efficient behavior and practices can be improved. The paper concludes that this require a tool with integrated approaches to educate and motivate the end-users in taking responsibility and accountability towards improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint of their building.

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Author Information
Mafimisebi I. Blessing, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Jones Keith, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
Nwaubani Sunny, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

• Category: Social Sustainability and Sustainable Living

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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