The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Nigeria chapter, has called for the adoption of global standards in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and building design, saying that energy-efficient buildings can reduce energy consumption in commercial and residential property by as much as 40 per cent.

The Society stated that improving building design, cooling systems, and insulation is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy costs, and achieving Nigeria’s climate goals.

ASHRAE Nigeria chapter newly elected President, Lookman Olatinwo, while speaking during the investiture of the chapter’s new executive committee in Lagos, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting energy efficiency in Nigeria’s building sector and strengthening professional best practices.

According to him, buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while people spend most of their lives indoors, making the quality of indoor environments crucial to health, learning, productivity and well-being.

“Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanisation. Our cities are expanding, our demand for energy continues to rise, and climate-related risks, such as flooding, heat stress and infrastructure pressures, are becoming more apparent. These challenges also present opportunities and call for engineers, architects, builders, developers, facility managers, regulators, policymakers and academics to work together with purpose. That is where ASHRAE has a vital role,” he said.

Olatinwo noted that although ASHRAE is globally recognised for advancing HVAC and refrigeration technologies, its broader mission is to improve the built environment through science, engineering, innovation and collaboration.

He said that practitioners who embrace better building design, efficient cooling systems and improved insulation would help create healthier, safer and more sustainable offices, hospitals, schools and homes.

Olatinwo outlined five strategic priorities for the chapter, including strengthening technical programmes and knowledge-sharing platforms, investing in young engineers, deepening collaboration with professional bodies and regulators, promoting innovation and research, and advancing practical solutions for energy-efficient buildings, indoor air quality, affordable housing, sustainable cooling, smart buildings and climate resilience.

He, however, promised that the chapter would strengthen partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria and the Green Building Council of Nigeria to advance professional development and sustainable construction.

Meanwhile, President of the NSE, Ali Rabiu, described ASHRAE as a key professional body that has consistently promoted technical excellence, ethical practice, capacity development, technological innovation and sustainable development.

Also, the outgoing President, Franklin Olatunji, said the leadership had strengthened the chapter through membership growth, greater engagement, and stronger collaboration, adding that it recorded an increase in membership from barely 115 to close to 200 registered ASHRAE Nigeria members, with the support of all members.

He, therefore, appealed to members and the new executives to remain united, inspire future leaders and continue to build a stronger chapter.

On his part, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of CA Consultants Ltd., Charles Akindayomi, challenged the chapter to champion the development of affordable hybrid building solutions that intelligently integrate solar energy with the public electricity supply for residential buildings.

Akindayomi said that engineering builds structures, but leadership builds institutions, urging the new leaders to build a chapter that is technically respected, professionally relevant, and attractive to young engineers, as well as to collaborate with industry and academia and to commit to mentoring the next generation of engineering leaders.