INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is a method of reducing the quantity of energy used (Rao et

al 2004). In most of the developed countries government and private companies

pay a tremendous attention in energy conservation measures unlike the

developing countries like Nigeria where such measures have not been a high

priority. Energy conservation is an important element of energy policy. It helps in

reducing energy consumption and energy demand and thus offsets the growth in

energy supply needed to keep up with population growth (Dandridge et al 1994;

CIBSE 1999). In Nigeria electricity demand is very high during dry season

mainly due to air conditioning consumption which is high due to lack of thermal

insulation in most of the buildings and the absence of other energy efficiency

measures.

An effective and successful energy management program begins with an energy

audit which is a systematic approach for assessing energy end-use efficiency of all

systems and equipment. An energy audit evaluates equipment/system efficiency

estimates associated energy losses identifies potential areas for cost reduction and

energy savings and recommends cost-effective schemes for achieving reduction in

energy consumption and energy cost savings (Piette 1991). Energy consumption

in office buildings is one of the highest compared to the consumption of other

building types (Krarti 2000). The annual energy consumption in office buildings

varies between 100 and 1000 kWh per square meter depending on geographic

location use and type of office equipment operational schedules type of

envelope use of HVAC systems type of lighting etc (Bordass et al 2001). Energy

in office buildings is mainly consumed for heating cooling and lighting purposes

while a significant portion is devoted to the consumption of office equipment

(Santamouri and Dascalaki 2002).

Energy retrofits and implementation of energy conservation measures can be

cost-effective means of reducing energy consumption in buildings. Al-Homoud

(1997) in his study showed that 15% 19% and 40% annual energy can be saved in

large medium and small office buildings respectively through envelope thermal

optimization in the hot–humid climate of Riyadh area. Similarly for the

hot–humid climate of Jeddah annual energy savings of 8% 12% and 24% can be

obtained for large medium and small offices respectively.

In the United States on the other hand buildings consume nearly half of all the

energy in the country for heating and cooling. It is estimated that nearly 30% of

this consumption could be saved by energy conservation or sustainable building

design and operations (Piette 1991; Clarke 1993). In the United Kingdom for

example more than 60% of energy are used to condition the indoor environment

(Igbal 1993). Energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems is clearly of global

importance; studies have shown that in South Africa approximately 20% of all

available municipal electrical energy is used in commercial and office buildings.

Further studies have shown that air conditioning is responsible for a substantial

share of energy use by 50% (Vaclav 1997; Hasnain 2000). Efforts to improve

energy efficiency should therefore not only concentrate on the design of the

air-conditioning system but also include the building itself. (Donald et al. 1983;

Mathews 2001)

1.2 Energy Usage and Conservation in Northern Nigeria Investment Limited

(NNIL) Building

NNIL building is a commercial set-up office building located in Kaduna

North-western part of Nigeria at latitude 10.5º N and longitude 7.4º E. The

building contains 46 offices with total floor area of 3358m² and a population of

211 people. Like any other commercial building NNIL building consumes a lot of

energy daily due to lack of proper energy conservation measures and energy

wasted due to negligence. If proper conservation measures are evaluated and

implemented it will save the company a huge amount of energy.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Presently energy conservation in NNIL building is far from being efficient; apart

from the direct loss due to energy wasted energy conservation measures have not

been properly implemented since doors and windows are constantly kept opened

lighting are on day and night. Due to the above problems it became necessary for

the management of the building to find ways of reducing these energy wastages

and save cost which is the focus of this study.

1.4 Significance

The results of this research will show how to make energy usage in a commercial

office building more efficient less expensive and more economical. The Energy

conservation measures (ECMS) presented in this study can be used in various

commercial office buildings.

1.5 Aim and Objective

The aim of the research is to carryout an analysis on energy conservation measures

in a commercial office building.

Specific Objectives are:

i. To determine energy consumption pattern for the company.

ii. And to evaluate energy conservation measures possibilities for the building.

1.6 Methodology:

The method used in carrying out the research is as follows:

A seven-storey commercial office building of Northern Nigeria investment limited

(NNIL) located in Kaduna is selected for the research work. The building energy

consumption data were collected from available records for a period of four years

(2005 – 2008). In addition additional information was also obtained through

physical site investigation building size measurement and the use of audit

questionnaire. ASHRAE recommendation was adopted in energy auditing of the

building (ASHRAE 2001). Results obtained from the energy audit were used as a

guide in establishing the energy conservation measures that should be

implemented.

1.7 Scope Of The Work:

● The scope of the work covers the energy carriers (electricity and fuels) and

energy end-users (lighting and electrical appliances) and Heating ventilating

and Air-conditions (HVAC) systems.

● The energy consumption data for a period of four years (2005-2008).