A roadmap for net-zero energy buildings in emerging economies: a study of residential new-buildings in Nigeria

The building industry is widely believed to be a major contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and consequently, climate change worldwide. Buildings contribute approximately 40% of global energy consumption and over 30% of total CO2 emissions. Over the past three decades, there has been progressive research interest in low-energy buildings in emerging economies. However, the issue of Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) is less discussed and less represented in literature in the context of emerging economies. The aim of this research is to develop a strategic roadmap to achieve NZEBs in Nigeria within the residential sector. Data was obtained using survey questionnaires, and expert interviews. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and Inferential statistics, while the qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Based on the research findings, a strategic roadmap with timelines and milestones was developed to achieve NZEBs within the residential sector in Nigeria. The nature of this roadmap involves policy creation and implementation, regulatory frameworks, investments, and partnerships. Research findings indicate potential future research on lifecycle analysis of buildings and circular economy in Nigeria, NZEB retrofit, and NZEB technological Interventions. This study makes novel theoretical contributions by addressing the issue, context, and level of analysis gap in literature on NZEBs in emerging economies. From a practical standpoint, it provides researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, funding bodies, and the third sector with a strategic roadmap with short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies tailored to Nigeria's development needs and priorities. The implementation of the proposed roadmap can catalyse the scalable adoption of net-zero energy residential buildings, thereby reducing Nigeria's carbon footprint and supporting its sustainable development goals.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Emmanuel, Chieloka

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Gyoh, Louis

• net zero energy buildings
• emerging economies
• residential buildings
• sustainable architecture
• energy efficiency
• decarbonisation
• tropical climate design
• green building practices
• renewable energy integration
• sustainable design
• sustainable construction

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Licence

• https://wlv.dspace7.openrepository.com/bitstreams/aa754d5c-ac9e-4dbf-94ec-bc2d968a8b1f/download