Journal of Physical Science and Environmental Studies

Research Paper|Published July, 2024|Vol. 10(1):8-15.

https://doi.org/10.36630/jpses_23012

 

Determination of Basic Principles For Achieving Sustainable Energy-Efficient Hostel Buildings In Federal Universities In South-East Nigeria

 

Evelyn N. Igbo¹ and Kevin C. Okolie²

 

¹Department of Building, Abia State, University Uturu, Abia State Nigeria.

²Department of Building, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.. 

 

ABSTRACT

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, especially those resulting from the burning of fossil fuel for energy, play a great role in global greenhouse emissions. These emissions currently affect man and his environment. One of the key consequences of greenhouse gas emissions is excessive heat generation and climatic change effects. These effects extend to man’s health, and his survival. Improving energy efficiency in existing hostel buildings can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure sustainability. This research aims to determine the basic principles for achieving sustainable energy efficiency in hostel buildings within Federal Universities in South-East Nigeria. This study, which is essentially survey-based and quantitative data, was derived from responses generated by questionnaire survey and fieldwork. A total of 376 questionnaires were administered to students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State and Federal University Ndufo-Alike, Ebonyi State. The students had spent more than two years living in the hostels. The tools used for data analysis were simple tables, Likert scale, mean score and student T-test. All hypotheses were tested at 5% level of significance. The findings of this revealed that planting of trees around the hostel buildings to cool the environment and sun shedding with the mean score of 4.9 were rated as the most important basic principles for achieving energy efficiency in hostel buildings in the study area. The study recommends that trees should be planted around hostel structures for shade, as this ensures cooler ambient temperatures and stabilizes the thermal comfort of buildings.

Key Words: Buildings; energy usage; energy efficiency; sustainable energy.

 

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