Unuigbe, M; Zulu, S L and Johnston, D (2023) Challenges to energy transitioning in commercial buildings in the Nigerian built environment: from generator to rets economy. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 13(1), pp. 157-171. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Challenges to energy access in Nigeria have resulted in the widespread use of fossil fuel generating sets (generators) despite its renewable energy (RE) potential. Given the climate crisis, combined with the country's rapid population growth and expected rise in energy and building demand, transitioning to low-carbon electricity using REs like solar photovoltaic (PV) presents opportunities beyond securing its energy future. While PV use is growing in Nigeria, this is focused on the residential sector despite the identification of the commercial sector as a high energy consumer and a key platform for its integration. In line with this, this research aims to investigates the challenges to energy transitioning from generators to solar PV in commercial buildings. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach in line with grounded theory was adopted using in-depth face-to-face interviews with industry experts. Findings: Two distinct but interrelated categories emerged: being held captive and being a saviour that represented a duality of systems, and/or processes formed the core category “Hostage Syndrome”. The core category (theory) was generated based on the explanations and expressions by participants about their concerns, interests, and the conditions under which they operate. The findings reveal the value attributed to generators beyond an operational role and the adjustments or mechanisms adopted by building professionals during their practice. It suggests a sphere of influence beyond the obvious financial and/or institutional aspects, as determining factors to what is viewed as sustainable which will be key to transitioning to REs. Originality/value: This paper provides new and in-depth insight into understanding the conditions under which building professionals operate associated with their interpretations of “being sustainable”. The study highlights the need to consider psychological and cultural factors in the development of interventions, strategies and/or policies to support RE transition, particularly towards achieving a sustainable construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | commercial buildings; energy transitioning; fossil-fuel generators; Nigeria; solar pv |
| Index terms: | photovoltaic, fossil fuel, built environment, population, integration, building professional, methodology, commercial building, renewable energy, energy access, platform, sustainable construction, interview, Nigeria, strategy, face, grounded theory, qualitative approach |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, management, research methods, Geography, sustainable construction, digital design, organizational analysis, demography, infrastructure and transport systems, data collection methods, profession, construction type, psychology, energy systems |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here