AN EXAMINATION INTO THE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS THAT PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The steady rise in energy usage within Nigeria's residential building sector has raised concerns about sustainability, cost-efficiency, and environmental damage. This paper examined the architectural features that contribute to energy efficiency in residential structures in Asokoro, an affluent neighbourhood in Abuja, Nigeria. The objective was to evaluate how design elements including building orientation, fenestration, shading devices, insulation, natural ventilation, and material choices influence energy demand for lighting and cooling. The study uses field questionnaires (N=140) to identify current design approaches and assess their effectiveness in reducing energy use. The findings show that completely integrated passive design in residential buildings is rather uncommon in Abuja, Nigeria. This reveals a considerable disparity between the building's design aims and performance achievements for decreasing energy use. This is attributable to a variety of causes, according to the findings, including the perception of high initial costs, which discourages developers and clients who prioritise short-term budgets above long-term energy savings. Other issues include overreliance on mechanical systems and insufficient regulatory enforcement. The study proposes context-specific design principles for improving energy performance, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based energy, and improving environmental sustainability in Abuja's residential sector. The study's significance lies in the fact that architects, developers, and policymakers would be more informed about adopting energy-efficient architectural design, practices, and construction, particularly in increasingly urbanising countries like Nigeria.