ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES IN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PRATICES

Abstract

The basic objective of modern society are low carbon and energy saving. There is a need to change the traditional high energy consuming building into modern novel energy saving buildings. In this paper, energy conservation opportunities in institutional blocks of buildings were evaluated and initiatives for enhancing energy use efficiency in the institution were identified. The study was carried out by collecting data via checklist, questionnaire and measurement using clamp ammeter. Energy and cost savings opportunities were analyzed using simple formulae. Results show that, Space cooling systems have the highest energy consumption with an average energy consumption of 5319kW (39%) followed by lighting fixtures with 1567.4KW (36%) and plug load appliances with 563kW (24%). Retrofitting of aged and oversized space cooling system and lighting fixtures with energy efficient systems were initiated, an energy and cost saving opportunities of about 4903kWh, 1337kWh and N128, 949 and N35,163 respectively were achieved. It is therefore concluded that, the institution has ample energy saving opportunities. Establishment of energy management practices through retrofitting in the institute will guarantee good energy savings opportunities with enormous reduction in green house gas emission.