Understanding Energy Use and Occupant Behavior in Office Buildings: Evidence from Dugbe, Ibadan

• Author(s): Oyeneye F. T. ; Ayinla A. K. ; Alao R.
• Paper ID: 1709337
• Page: 1879-1886
• Published Date: 25-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

As Nigerian cities continue to urbanize and commercial activities intensify, energy demand in office buildings has risen significantly. These buildings, particularly in urban centers like Dugbe, Ibadan, consume substantial amounts of electricity due to extensive use of lighting, HVAC systems, and office equipment. While technological interventions have targeted efficiency, the behavioral patterns of occupants remain underexplored in energy studies. This study investigates how user behavior influences energy consumption in selected commercial office buildings in Dugbe and evaluates the effectiveness of existing energy efficiency measures. A quantitative survey method was employed, involving 246 respondents selected from five randomly chosen office buildings in Dugbe. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that the excessive use of electrical equipment, HVAC systems, artificial lighting, and building size are major drivers of energy consumption. Furthermore, while there is encouraging adoption of renewable energy sources (76.8%) and energy-efficient appliances (61.8%), areas such as HVAC upgrades (43.6%), smart energy monitoring (50.6%), and automated lighting controls (46.1%) remain underutilized. Occupant awareness also emerged as a key factor influencing energy use. The study concludes that both behavioral and infrastructural elements are critical in managing energy use in office buildings. It recommends targeted awareness campaigns, increased adoption of efficient technologies, and stronger institutional policies to promote sustainable energy practices in Nigeria’s commercial sectors.

Keywords

Energy consumption, occupant behavior, energy efficiency, office buildings, Dugbe, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Oyeneye F. T. , Ayinla A. K. , Alao R. "Understanding Energy Use and Occupant Behavior in Office Buildings: Evidence from Dugbe, Ibadan" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 1879-1886

IEEE:
Oyeneye F. T. , Ayinla A. K. , Alao R. "Understanding Energy Use and Occupant Behavior in Office Buildings: Evidence from Dugbe, Ibadan" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)