By Saad Umar Faruk, PRO, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy
The Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to partnering with developers and non-governmental organizations to improve the well-being of its citizens.
This was announced by the State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Gaddafi Sani Shehu, during a one-day sensitization workshop on Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings, organized by GIZ German Development Partners in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, held at BON Hotel, Lafia Road,Kano State.
According to Dr. Gaddafi Sani, the workshop aimed to raise awareness on energy efficiency and promote sustainable practices in public buildings to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
He disclosed that Kano has achieved significant progress in climate change mitigation and renewable energy, citing examples such as solar streetlights and the use of renewable energy.
The Commissioner highlighted that energy efficiency in public buildings and sustainable energy is a best practice for energy conservation.
He urged the participants to engage in public awareness on the importance of energy efficiency and the problems of wasted energy.
The Energy Adviser, Mr. Odima Okodi Iyaha, spoke extensively on the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB), a multi-country initiative dedicated to transforming the building sector through energy-efficient, climate-resilient design and operation.
She added that the objectives of the workshop were to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of energy efficiency and promote the integration of efficient design principles in planning, construction, and maintenance.
Dr. Manassah Babale Shitta, an energy consultant, spoke on energy efficiency and conservation measures, highlighting concepts that enhance energy security and minimize environmental impact.
He also enumerated some of the energy flows in buildings and standby power reduction measures, including lighting, cooling, electricity, reflective roofing, solar energy, insulation, and refrigeration, among others.
Ahmad Tijjani Ahmad from the Energy Commission of Nigeria presented a paper on the importance and benefits of energy audit in public buildings and building envelopes management.
In his closing remarks, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engineer Ismail Ibrahim Muhammad, commended the organizers and participants of the program for their selfless service and called for the need for capacity building to achieve the desired goals.
During the workshop, contributions were made by academia, professional engineers, and architects.
