Energy conservation potentials of an office buildings in Northern Nigeria: A case study of Katsina secretariat complex

Abstract

The importance of energy conservation in our contemporary world cannot be overemphasized, efficient utilization of energy has significant impact in improving economy at all levels of human endeavour. No doubt, adequate and appropriate utilization of energy especially electrical energy boosts up any organizational developmental activities. Recently, research interest has emphasis towards efficient energy utilization and energy conservation as the effective means of reducing energy consumption in buildings thereby reducing its maintenance cost. This paper investigated and analysed the energy consumption characteristics of Katsina state secretariat complex for the period of 3 years (i.e. from 2014 to 2016) based on site surveys and analysis of the energy end users present, using the records of electricity utility bills and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), being the two energy carriers of the complex. Records have shown that, the secretariat complex average electricity and AGO annual consumptions were found as 1045661.95 kWh and 116650.33 litres of AGO (which is equivalent to 1250491.54 kWh) respectively. The investigation revealed a distinct consumption pattern, indicating peak energy consumption during the hot months of April to August due to significant air conditioning requirements. The result of the investigation of the energy conservation potentials in the secretariat complex have shown that, energy savings of up to 6.5% of the total energy can be achieved by switching-off all security lights during the day. While turning off the air conditioners in the early morning hours of between 8am to 10am would provide a saving of up to 19% of the total energy. Furthermore, a saving of 16.5% of the total energy can be achieved when the incandescent lamps are replaced with the energy efficient ones. The energy conserving measures (ECMs) followed in this research has shown significant savings in terms of both energy and cost, and if well implemented can give way for a sustainable energy management of similar office buildings in future.