Factors Influencing Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Nigeria's Tropical Humid Dry Zone

Abstract

Abstract This study addresses the limitations of Nigeria's National Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC) by identifying contextspecific factors influencing building energy efficiency in the country's tropical humid dry zone. Using a Delphi approach, the research engaged experts from academia and practice to evaluate and reach a consensus on key factors. The study revealed five critical elements: mechanical factors, lighting, openings, size of features, and height of features. Building material did not emerge as a significant factor. These findings highlight the importance of considering regional climatic variations and sociocultural contexts in developing energy efficiency frameworks. The study revealed the inadequacy of the current onesize- fits-all approach and recommends a more context-specific strategy for improving building energy efficiency in Nigeria. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable building practices in developing countries and provides a foundation for future research on energy-efficient building design in tropical climates