ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING TECHNIQUES FOR CREATIVE HUBS IN ILORIN KWARA STATE

Abstract

Creative hubs are start-up incubation centres that enhance soft skills and promote local innovations start-ups. The greater need of Nigerian youth for a stable and conducive economy together with the effect of climate change necessitates the need for hubs which incorporates sustainable design techniques. Sustainability is a wide topic, therefore; the scope of this paper will be on energy efficiency. The study aims at exploring the various energy efficient techniques that can be used to enhance sustainability of hubs. Descriptive research design approach was used for the research. The study was conducted via review of existing literature on the subject matter, then; a set of questionnaire was tailored to observe experts’ opinions in the building industry on the crucial energy efficient techniques to be incorporated in creative hubs within the study area. A physical observation survey was also used for this research. Four creative hubs were purposively selected within Ilorin as case studies. The questionnaires were randomly distributed to the respondents; 377 questionnaires were analysed for experts’ opinions. The reports from the survey revealed that; there was low-level of energy efficiency in the existing hubs and the impact of these techniques does not reflect in the energy requirement of the creative hubs. One of the hub managers stated the high cost of installation deterred them from opting for solar alternative, but the hub relies on generator run by gas. This shows the awareness these hub managers have for the importance of energy efficiency and with time; energy efficiency will be embraced. The study recommends BIM as an integral part of architectural education in the country to enhance building sustainability via energy efficiency as seen with BEM aspect of BIM. It also recommended that policies which encourage the incorporation of sustainable techniques in building projects should be made within the country.