Onatayo Damilola is a renowned construction manager, where he focuses on emerging technology applications in the construction industry. Mr. Onatayo studied at the prestigious University of Lagos.

During his college years, he realized that he is attracted to this field for several reasons:
“In my college years, I was drawn to the concept of ‘sustainability’ and the potential to enhance building efficiencies through technology.

This led me to pursue postgraduate research and its potential to drive technological advancements that benefit society, as I was particularly captivated by how advancements in building materials and design could significantly impact energy conservation.

This came from my previous realization that computer technologies can be used for diagnostics purposes or discover new sustainable building materials” says researcher

First existing challenges and solutions
The accurate calculation of thermal transmittance, or U-value, in windows has long been a critical aspect of building energy efficiency. Traditional methods, such as the use of hot box apparatus and numerical simulations, have been the primary means of determining U-values. However, these methods present significant challenges, including high costs, time-consuming processes, and the need for specialized equipment and expertise.

Moreover, the complexity of these methods often hinders their widespread adoption by building owners and professionals. Recognizing the need for a more practical solution, Onatayo, along with a team of experts in the field, has developed an innovative data-driven approach to address this problem. By leveraging machine learning regression algorithms, they have created a user-friendly and efficient method for estimating the thermal transmittance of windows. This breakthrough solution has the potential to revolutionize the way building owners and professionals assess the energy performance of their windows particularly in regions like Nigeria with extreme weather conditions. The importance of accurately determining thermal transmittance cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the energy consumption, comfort, and sustainability of buildings. With this new data-driven method, building owners can quickly and easily obtain reliable estimates, empowering them to make informed decisions about window selection, retrofitting, and energy optimization strategies. Onatayo’s groundbreaking work in this area is set to transform the building industry, making the assessment of window thermal performance more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient than ever before.

Looking into the future
The building industry is on the cusp of a digital revolution, with numerous ongoing projects exploring innovative solutions for the future. The importance of utilizing digital technologies cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence enablers such as computer vision. These technologies have the potential to fundamentally change the way diagnostics and sustainability is done in the building sector. While sophisticated machine learning algorithms may eventually replace certain building engineers to some extent, this is likely to occur in a much more distant time horizon. Among the crucial developments in the pipeline is the work that Onatayo Damilola and other experts are currently undertaking, focusing on diagnostics using digital imaging and computer vision techniques.

This groundbreaking approach has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of building diagnostics, ultimately leading to more sustainable and energy-efficient structures. According to a recent study by the International Energy Agency, buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. By leveraging digital imaging and computer vision techniques, experts like Onatayo Damilola aim to reduce these figures dramatically, contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a more sustainable future. Although Nigeria is not currently at the forefront of digital transformation, visionary experts like Onatayo Damilola are beginning to shape the horizon for our nation.

By spearheading innovative projects and pioneering the application of cutting-edge technologies in the building industry, Onatayo Damilola is positioning Nigeria to become a key player in the global push towards sustainable and digitally-driven building practices. As these efforts gain momentum, Nigeria is poised to make its mark on the international stage, showcasing its commitment to embracing digital solutions for a more sustainable future.