The Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has set up an Inter- ministerial Committee to device ways of conserving energy in public buildings in Nigeria.
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This is in line with the renewed commitment expressed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS during its 43rd Ordinary session held in Abuja in 2013.This is aimed at provision and access to sustainable energy efficiency in public buildings among ECOWAS member states. The regional body had adopted the ECOWAS Energy Efficiency Policy(EEEP) as well as the ECOWAS Renewable Energy Policy(EREP) as part of efforts to promote the improvement of energy efficiency of buildings among ECOWAS member states.
Subsequently, member states including Nigeria within the framework of the policy have agreed to develop and adopt regional standards for both new and existing buildings with a view to incorporating the principles of tropical architecture and urban planning standards.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee, The Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Committee, Mr George Ossi, said the mandate of the Ministry made it imperative to be at the forefront of the advocacy and promoter of renewable Energy and Efficiency in buildings, hence the collaboration with various stakeholders who will harmonize their expertise in coming up with efficiency parameters for buildings in the nation.
He noted that Nigeria is faced with a power and energy deficit that hinders social and economic development, which he said affects the low income population in particular, adding that 50-60% of the energy generated is estimated to be consumed by the housing sector.
alone.
He said the Ministry is aware that energy efficiency in buildings is a major plank in addressing issues of climate change, controlling rising energy costs, increasing the value and competitiveness of buildings and expressed the hope that improvement in energy efficiency in buildings will enhance security. He added also that it will lead to load reductions and lower negative environmental impacts as well as provide benefits to energy consumers, government and the environment.
Chairperson of the Ministerial committee and Director, Engineering Services in the ministry, Mrs Esther Okougha, said setting up the Inter- ministerial committee underscored the importance of renewable energy as she noted that it will further give credence to the work of the Ministerial Committee in order to enhance its scope.
She said her team in collaboration with GIZ, a German Agency for International Cooperation, had performed an energy audit in the Ministry’s building which she averred had reduced energy consumption in the Ministry.
The Committee terms of reference include:
1.To generate and recommend minimum standard required to achieve energy efficiency in buildings.
2. To make research and find out if there are policies on Buildings Energy Efficiency; harmonize with the existing ones(if any) and make recommendations for the domestication of ECOWAS Energy Efficiency in Building and Renewable Energy Policy
3. To organize stakeholders meeting to increase awareness on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in housing delivery
4. To collaborate with various stakeholders to come up with Building Efficiency Code; and
5. To bring up recommendations in having a retrofitted public buildings with Renewable Energy supply (part or whole).
Mrs Eno Olotu (Mrs)
For: Director (Press)
