INVESTIGATING STRATEGIES FOR DECREASING ENERGY CONSUMPTION TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN

This study investigates energy consumption and sustainable building design strategies in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, focusing on identifying key approaches, challenges, and their impacts on energy usage. Using a descriptive survey method with a quantitative approach, data was collected from 50 respondents, including building professionals and occupants, through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze responses regarding the adoption of sustainable design strategies such as high-quality insulation, solar panel usage, and natural ventilation. The findings reveal that high-quality insulation materials are considered the most effective strategy, with a mean score of 1.55, due to their impact on reducing energy loss. Natural ventilation (mean = 1.60) and solar panels (mean = 1.70) also ranked highly, underscoring their significance in sustainable energy management. However, maximizing natural light (mean = 1.80) was less prioritized, suggesting that immediate energy savings from insulation and renewable energy sources are seen as more beneficial. Challenges in implementing sustainable building practices were also examined, with the high cost of materials (mean = 1.65) identified as the primary obstacle. Lack of awareness (mean = 1.70) and limited policy support (mean = 1.72) further hinder sustainable practices, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and stronger regulatory frameworks. In evaluating the benefits of sustainable buildings, reducing energy bills (mean = 1.55) was perceived as the most impactful, aligning with respondents' focus on financial savings. This research emphasizes the importance of insulation, ventilation, and renewable energy in reducing energy consumption, providing insights into practical strategies for sustainable design in Ado-Ekiti.