Expert Calls for Improved Building Energy Efficiency in Nigeria

By Tosin Clegg

As stakeholders in the energy and sustainability sector continue to make concerted efforts towards a greener future, an expert in renewable energy and environmental management, Adetola Omotola Mabayoje, has re-echoed the urgent need to improve building energy efficiency in Nigeria as part of the global march to net zero.

Speaking during an engagement on sustainable energy transition, Mabayoje, who has over nine years of experience in Net Zero strategies, energy audits, project management, and renewable energy systems, highlighted that Nigeria must focus on innovative energy conservation measures, renewable technologies, and smart cooling systems to reduce dependency on fossil fuel.

With a proven track record across Africa and Europe, Mabayoje has successfully overseen projects totalling over 80MW of solar generating capacity, 40MWh of battery storage, and 185,000HP of cooling capacity, significantly slashing carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tonnes. He stressed that similar large-scale interventions can be deployed across Nigeria’s commercial and residential buildings to cut costs, enhance efficiency, and tackle environmental concerns.

At the Highland Council in Scotland, where he currently serves as a Senior Energy Inspector, Mabayoje plays a key role in conducting energy and Net Zero audits of council properties. His reports provide actionable recommendations on energy, water, and carbon reduction while guiding funding applications and investment decisions for sustainable projects.

His work, according to him, offers useful lessons for Nigeria, where poor building designs, inefficient cooling systems, and wasteful energy consumption habits have kept energy efficiency at a low ebb. He insists that a structured approach, combining technical audits, renewable integration, and stakeholder engagement, will deliver real progress in the country’s Net Zero agenda.

Before moving to the UK, Mabayoje worked with Starsight Energy, Ikoyi Lagos, where he managed over 500 hybrid solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) installations, primarily for commercial banks. His leadership in delivering sustainable cooling systems and off-grid energy solutions made a direct impact on cutting operating costs for businesses while advancing Nigeria’s renewable footprint.

A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos, with a Master’s in Environmental Management (Energy) from Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, Mabayoje’s academic research also explored the feasibility of microgrid solar PV systems in commercial buildings. His dissertation provided actionable recommendations for integrating renewable energy solutions in Nigeria’s business hubs to enhance efficiency and reduce grid dependency.

In his career trajectory, he has consistently combined technical expertise with project management skills, successfully leading construction teams, reviewing engineering designs, conducting environmental impact assessments, and ensuring safety standards on major renewable projects. He has also been at the forefront of promoting corporate social responsibility programs that align with organisational Net Zero goals.

Industry experts say his call is timely, as Nigeria’s energy sector faces mounting pressure from high grid failures, rising fossil fuel costs, and climate change impacts. For Mabayoje, building efficiency presents one of the fastest and most cost-effective routes to sustainability, with enormous benefits in job creation, emission reduction, and economic savings.

He also underscored the role of government policies, funding access, and training of skilled manpower to bridge existing gaps. According to him, collaboration between policymakers, engineers, and financial institutions is necessary to unlock investments in renewable energy, efficient HVAC systems, and smart building designs.

Mabayoje’s professional affiliations further underscore his credibility. He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Project Management Institute (PMI). He is also registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), demonstrating his global standing in engineering and sustainability practice.

In addition to his technical and research credentials, he has completed certifications including the Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS), CSCS Construction Skills Certification, and a Six Sigma Yellow Belt in Project Management, equipping him with the tools to bridge operational and environmental objectives in energy projects.

As Nigeria grapples with its energy challenges, Mabayoje believes the solution is within reach. “Improving building energy efficiency is not just a technical matter; it is a national imperative,” he declared, noting that every kilowatt saved translates into reduced carbon emissions, financial savings, and a stronger resilience to climate change.