Nigeria has taken a bold step to ensure new buildings across its length and breadth would be bioclimatic-compliant, with the launch of its National Energy Efficiency Building Code (BEEC) recently in Abuja.

The need for the BEEC arose from the threatening lack of sufficient electricity supply in Nigeria on one hand, and an energy policy needing stable action for energy efficiency in buildings within the country.

With a scope comprising determination of the minimum energy efficiency requirements and verification methods in new buildings, calculation methods and tools, building energy labels and energy efficiency incentives, control and enforcement, qualification of experts, as well as review and adaptation codes, the BEEC would allow for a two-year voluntarily adoption after which its adoption would be mandatory in Nigeria.

The BEEC will also apply to buildings built for business and professional purposes, as well as residential buildings – apartment houses, vacation timeshare properties, detached or family dwelling units.

According to the Nigeria’s minister for power, works, and housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, at the launch of the BEEC, it was the country’s bold step towards energy conservation.

Fashola, indicated that out of the meagre energy produced in the country, a lot of it were wasted by its citizens.

He explained that the BEEC provides builders, architects and engineers with minimum energy requirement for new buildings in the country.

Fashola, explained that when implemented, the BEEC would curb energy wastage, as well as create employment opportunities in the country.