AN EVALUATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDINGS AT NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY ZARIA

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Department of Environmental Design

ABSTRACT
Understanding how energy is supplied and used in buildings is a key prerequisite to energy conservation process in the built environment. The study was aimed at evaluating energy consumption and conservation opportunities for national research institute for chemical technology (NARICT) buildings with a view to enhancing energy efficiency in the instittution. NARICT blocks of buildings constitute the population of the study with ten (10) sample blocks of buildings. The procedure adopted for achieving the set objectives were presented in three stages, energy audit using checklist, measurement of current and enviromental condition (Relative Humidity and Dry Bulb Temperture) and determing behavioral perspective through monitoring and targetting. Economical cost benefit and descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data obtained. Results from the study shows that, Space cooling systems have the average highest energy consumption value of 5319KW (39%) followed by lighting fixtures with 1567.4KW (36%) and plug load appliances with 563KW (24%). Measured illumination level of 317 to 500lux from day lighting in the blocks of buildings were sufficient and were in accordances with ESI recommended level of 320 lux for office building and 400 to 750 lux for laboratories. Energy saving opportunities to a total of 9692 Kwh and a total cost saving opportunity of N443,028 per month were reliased. It is therefore concluded that, high usage of space cooling system, aged appliances and improper replacement of component were major factors responsible for higer energy consumption. Initiating an internal energy policy, retrofitting and establishment of an energy management system in the institute will guarantee good energy savings opportunities with enormous reduction in green house gas emission.