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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue VI, June 2026
Optimizing Building-Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (BIRES)
For Climate and Environmental Security in South-East Nigeria
Yuel Okey Kalu
1
, Richard Chinenye Udeala
2
, & Sunday Uta Kalu
3
1
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State
2
Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Federal Poly. Ukana, Akwa Ibom State
3
Department of Physics, AE-Federal University, Ikwo, Ebonyi State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150600127
Received: 28 June 2026; Accepted: 03 July 2026; Published: 17 July 2026
ABSTRACT
The built environment in South-East Nigeria presents significant opportunities for advancing climate action
through building-integrated renewable energy systems (BIRES). This study examined the optimization of BIRES
for climate and environmental security among builders and civil engineers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu,
and Imo States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 150 registered professionals
selected through stratified random sampling. Findings revealed low BIRES adoption and optimization
awareness, with major barriers including lack of tropical climate design guidelines, absence of building code
requirements, inadequate technical capacity, limited government incentives, and the high cost of imported
components. Despite limited optimization practices, respondents strongly acknowledged the climate and
environmental security benefits of BIRES, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy
resilience, and enhancing sustainable building performance. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed that
professionals with higher optimization awareness reported significantly greater perceptions of climate security
benefits, while those lacking lifecycle optimization practices perceived higher environmental security risks. Both
hypotheses were not accepted at p < 0.001. The study concludes that inadequate optimization knowledge and
limited lifecycle practices hinder the effective contribution of BIRES to sustainable energy and environmental
security. It recommends mandatory professional training on BIRES optimization, stronger institutional support,
financial incentives, and the integration of lifecycle assessment standards into regional building regulations and
professional practice frameworks.
Keywords: Building-Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (BIRES), Climate Security, Environmental
Security, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Buildings.
INTRODUCTION & LITERATURE REVIEW
Nigeria is situated at a critical climate–energy crossroads where persistent energy insecurity, rapid urbanization,
and escalating environmental degradation increasingly threaten sustainable development. Despite its large
population and expanding built environment, over 85 million Nigerians still lack access to reliable grid
electricity, while the building sector accounts for nearly 45% of urban energy consumption, much of which is
inefficient and poorly regulated (Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 2025; UNEP, 2024). Consequently, residential,
commercial, and institutional buildings depend heavily on diesel-powered generators to supplement unreliable
electricity supplies, thereby increasing greenhouse gas emissions, deteriorating urban air quality, and exposing
occupants to environmental and public health risks (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, 2025;
Ohunakin, Adaramola, & Oyewola, 2024). These interrelated challenges have intensified the need for sustainable
energy technologies capable of simultaneously improving energy efficiency, mitigating climate change, and
strengthening environmental security within the built environment.
Among the most promising innovations are Building-Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (BIRES), which
incorporate renewable energy technologies directly into building components such as photovoltaic roofs and
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façades, solar shading devices, skylights, and integrated wind-energy systems. Unlike conventional renewable
energy installations, BIRES transform buildings from passive consumers of electricity into active producers of
clean energy while maintaining architectural functionality. Recent international studies have demonstrated that
optimized BIRES substantially reduce operational energy demand, improve thermal comfort, lower carbon
emissions, and enhance building resilience under changing climatic conditions (Ma, Yang, & Zhang, 2023;
D’Agostino, Mazzarella, & Minelli, 2024). However, these benefits are largely dependent on effective
optimization that considers local climatic conditions, building orientation, occupant behaviour, lifecycle
performance, and maintenance requirements.
Although Nigeria possesses abundant solar irradiation and considerable renewable energy resources, the
adoption and optimization of BIRES remain relatively limited. Existing installations are frequently implemented
using imported design assumptions developed for temperate regions with minimal adaptation to Nigeria's
tropical environmental conditions. Consequently, many systems experience reduced efficiency, accelerated
degradation, and lower-than-expected energy output. Recent studies have described this situation as "guesswork
installation," reflecting inadequate optimization practices, weak technical standards, and insufficient
professional competence in system design, integration, and lifecycle management (Adekunle, Ajayi, & Olaniyi,
2025; Okafor & Nwosu, 2024). Although professional organizations such as the Nigerian Green Building
Council (NGBC) have initiated pilot capacity-building programmes, widespread expertise in BIRES
optimization remains inadequate, while awareness of emerging technologies such as building-integrated wind
systems is still developing among builders and civil engineers (NGBC, 2025; Umar & Kolo, 2025).
Beyond technical limitations, increasing scholarly attention has focused on the environmental implications of
renewable energy technologies throughout their lifecycle. While BIRES contribute significantly to de-
carbonization and energy transition, poor optimization and weak lifecycle planning may introduce unintended
environmental consequences including embodied carbon emissions, material toxicity, electronic waste
generation, and resource depletion (Hasan & Jelle, 2024; Kumar & Singh, 2025). Photovoltaic modules and
battery storage systems contain hazardous materials requiring appropriate end-of-life management, yet recycling
infrastructure remains underdeveloped in many developing countries. Similarly, rebound effects associated with
improved energy efficiency may inadvertently increase overall energy consumption if behavioural and
operational factors are neglected (Berrill, Arvesen, & Hertwich, 2025). These findings suggest that maximizing
the climate benefits of BIRES requires optimization approaches that integrate technical performance with
environmental sustainability throughout the system lifecycle.
The challenges confronting BIRES implementation are particularly pronounced in South-East Nigeria, where
high solar irradiance, elevated temperatures, persistent humidity, intense rainfall, dust accumulation, and
unstable electricity supply significantly influence system performance and durability. Tropical climate studies
consistently demonstrate that photovoltaic efficiency, component longevity, and overall system reliability
depend on designs specifically optimized for local environmental conditions rather than direct adaptation of
foreign models (Ma et al., 2023). Nevertheless, localized optimization frameworks, technical standards, and
lifecycle assessment guidelines remain largely unavailable in Nigeria, resulting in underperforming installations
and reduced confidence in integrated renewable energy technologies.
Evidence from other developing regions further illustrates the importance of policy-supported optimization
strategies. Experiences in East Africa indicate that structured regulatory frameworks, localized design standards,
financial incentives, and continuous professional development significantly improve BIRES adoption,
operational performance, and long-term sustainability (Mukasa, Ochieng, & Ndunda, 2025). Conversely, the
absence of comparable institutional support in Nigeria has limited the transition from isolated demonstration
projects to large-scale implementation capable of contributing meaningfully to national climate mitigation and
environmental protection objectives.
Despite Nigeria's enormous renewable energy potential, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the
optimization of BIRES for climate and environmental security. Existing studies have largely emphasized
technical efficiency or energy generation, with relatively little empirical attention devoted to optimization
awareness among built environment professionals and its relationship with climate resilience and environmental
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sustainability. Furthermore, many BIRES installations continue to rely on design approaches that overlook local
climatic realities, lifecycle environmental impacts, and integrated performance evaluation. This situation
contributes to reduced photovoltaic efficiency under elevated temperatures, excessive dust-related energy losses,
accelerated battery degradation caused by unstable electricity supply, and increasing concerns regarding
electronic waste management. Without systematic optimization, BIRES may fail to achieve their intended
environmental and climate objectives despite substantial investment in renewable energy technologies.
Against this background, the present study examines the optimization of Building-Integrated Renewable Energy
Systems for climate and environmental security among builders and civil engineers in South-East Nigeria.
Specifically, the study evaluates the level of BIRES adoption and optimization practices, identifies the principal
barriers limiting effective implementation, and examines the relationship between professionals' awareness of
optimization techniques and their perceptions of climate security benefits and environmental security risks. In
addressing these objectives, the study seeks answers to two fundamental questions: the extent to which BIRES
have been adopted and optimized within Nigeria's built environment and the extent to which optimization
awareness influences professionals' perceptions of climate and environmental security outcomes. To provide
empirical evidence, two null hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance, namely that awareness of
BIRES optimization techniques has no statistically significant positive relationship with perceived climate
security benefits and that inadequate lifecycle optimization practices have no statistically significant positive
relationship with perceived environmental security risks among builders and civil engineers. By addressing these
issues, the study contributes empirical evidence capable of informing professional practice, policy development,
and regulatory reforms aimed at promoting climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and energy-efficient
buildings in Nigeria and comparable developing economies.
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design using a structured questionnaire. This design
enabled the collection of quantitative data from builders and civil engineers to examine BIRES optimization
practices and related perceptions at a single point in time.
Area of Study
The study was conducted in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi,
Enugu, and Imo States.
Population of the Study
The population comprised 150 registered builders and civil engineers practicing in South-East Nigeria.
Specifically, the study targeted professionals registered with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the
Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Inclusion criteria included a minimum of five
years of professional experience and active engagement in building design, construction, or engineering practice
within the region.
Sampling Technique and Sample Size
A stratified random sampling technique was adopted, with strata based on the five South-East states to ensure
equitable regional representation. A sample size of 150 respondents was determined using Krejcie and Morgan's
sampling framework and proportionally allocated across the strata.
Instrument for Data Collection
The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "BIRES Optimization and Security
Questionnaire (BOS-SQ)," designed to obtain relevant information from registered builders and civil engineers
in South-East Nigeria. The questionnaire comprised three sections. Section A elicited demographic and
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professional information from respondents. Section B assessed BIRES adoption and optimization practices,
while Section C measured respondents' perceptions of climate security benefits and environmental security risks
associated with Building-Integrated Renewable Energy Systems. Items in Sections B and C were rated on a five-
point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Disagree (1) to Strongly Agree (5).
Validity and Reliability of the Instrument
The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validation by two experts in building technology and
renewable energy systems from the university of Nigeria, Nsukka, departments of civil and electrical
Engineering respectively. Their observations and recommendations were incorporated to improve the clarity,
relevance, and adequacy of the instrument before its final administration. To establish reliability, a pilot study
was conducted using 20 registered builders and civil engineers operating in Lagos, Nigeria who possessed
characteristics similar to the study participants. Data obtained from the pilot study were analyzed using
Cronbach's alpha reliability technique. The instrument yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.80,
indicating a high level of internal consistency and confirming that the questionnaire was suitable for data
collection.
Data Collection Procedure
Data were collected through both physical administration and online distribution (Google Forms) using the
professional networks and associations of builders and civil engineers in South-East Nigeria. Respondents were
provided with adequate information regarding the purpose of the study before completing the questionnaire.
Data Analysis
Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive
statistics, including means, and standard deviations, were used to answer the research questions, while two-way
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical principles guiding research involving human participants were strictly observed throughout the study.
Informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection, either in written form for physically
administered questionnaires or through a digital consent checkbox for online responses. Participation was
entirely voluntary, and respondents were informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any stage without
penalty. Furthermore, anonymity and confidentiality were maintained by ensuring that no personal identifiers
were collected or linked to individual responses. The information obtained was used solely for academic
purposes and securely handled throughout the research process.
RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS
RESULTS
Table 1
Mean Ratings on BIRES Adoption, optimization practices and barriers to its implementation among
builders and civil engineers (N = 150)
S/N Item statements X
ˉ
1
X
ˉ
2
SD
1
SD
2
1. BIRES level of adoption by professional 2.03 2.19 0.71 0.77
2. BIRES level of optimization practices by
Professionals 1.81 1.97 0.66 0.69
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3. Awareness optimization level by professionals 2.28 2.46 0.79 0.83
4. Climate-zone design adaptation level by
professional 1.83 2.01 0.68 0.72
5. Lack of tropical climate design guidelines barrier 4.36 4.28 0.69 0.73
6. High cost of imported components barrier 4.08 4.12 0.75 0.77
7. Optimization training barrier 4.04 3.92 0.80 0.84
8. Building and installation code barrier 4.24 4.18 0.72 0.78
9. Life cycle assessment practices availability 1.74 1.96 0.62 0.71
10. Awareness of lifecycle assessment by
professionals 4.01 3.95 0.77 0.82
The findings in table 1 indicate that BIRES adoption and optimization practices among builders and civil
engineers in South-East Nigeria remain low. Although civil engineers reported slightly higher adoption and
optimization scores than builders, both groups exhibited inadequate utilization of optimization techniques. The
major barriers identified include lack of tropical-climate design guidelines, high cost of imported components,
inadequate professional training, weak lifecycle assessment awareness, and absence of building code
requirements.
Table 2
Two-Way ANOVA on Optimization Awareness, Professional Category and Perceived Climate Security
Benefits
Source
SS
df
MS
F
Sig.
Dec.
Optimization
awareness
Professional
category
Awareness x
professional
category
Error
18.36
0.58
0.31
70.18
2
1
2
2
143
9.180
0.584
0.156
0.491
18.72
1.19
0.32
0.001
0.277
0.726
Do not
accept
H
01
In table 2, since H0₁ has p .0001 < .05, the hypothesis was rejected. this implies that optimization awareness
significantly influences perceived climate security benefits, while professional category and the interaction effect
do not significantly influence perceptions.
Table 3
Mean Ratings on climate security benefits and environmental security risks according to professional
category and optimization awareness level (N = 150)
S/N Item statements X
ˉ
1
X
ˉ
2
SD
1
SD
2
11. Reduction in diesel generator dependency 4.32 4.47 0.62 0.57
12. Reduction in greenhouse emissions 4.18 4.39 0.68 0.55
13. Improved energy independence 4.28 4.53 0.64 0.51
14. Enhanced climate resilient 4.11 4.26 0.69 0.58
15. E-waste management control 4.20 4.05 0.71 0.74
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16. Toxicology risk concerns from renewable
Components 4.11 4.02 0.68 0.69
17. Resources depletion concerns 3.95 3.88 0.72 0.70
18. Issues of recycling infrastructure 4.31 4.26 0.61 0.65
Respondents in table 3 generally agreed that optimized BIRES can significantly improve climate security
through reduction of diesel generator dependence, enhanced energy independence, and reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions. Respondents with high optimization awareness reported substantially higher perceptions of
climate and environmental security benefits than those with low awareness. However, concerns regarding e-
waste management, component toxicity, and inadequate recycling infrastructure remain prominent among both
professional groups.
Table 4
Two-Way ANOVA on lifecycle optimization practices, professional category and perceived environmental
security risks
Source
SS
df
MS
F
Sig.
Dec.
Optimization
awareness
Professional
category
Awareness x
professional
category
Error
16.37
0.73
0.44
69.12
2
1
2
2
142
8.184
0.73
0.22
0.49
16.84
1.49
0.45
0.001
0.224
0.639
Do not
accept
H
02
In table 4, the hypothesis was not accepted. This is because H0
2
has p .0001 < .05. Thus, lifecycle optimization
practices significantly influence perceived environmental security risks, whereas professional category and the
interaction effect are not statistically significant.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study reveal that the adoption and optimization of BIRES among builders and civil engineers
in South-East Nigeria remain relatively low despite the region's significant renewable energy potential. The low
mean scores recorded for BIRES adoption and optimization practices suggest that integrated renewable energy
technologies have not yet been widely incorporated into routine building design and construction practices.
Furthermore, optimization measures such as photovoltaic orientation, tilt adjustment, dust mitigation, lifecycle
costing, and performance monitoring were inadequately implemented. These findings indicate that many
professionals continue to rely on conventional construction approaches rather than integrating renewable energy
systems through evidence-based optimization strategies. The identified barriers, including the absence of tropical
climate design guidelines, high costs of imported components, inadequate professional training, weak policy
implementation, and limited lifecycle assessment practices, further demonstrate that institutional and technical
constraints continue to hinder effective BIRES deployment. These observations are consistent with the findings
of Adekunle et al. (2025), who described renewable energy integration in Nigeria as largely dependent on non-
standardized installation practices due to inadequate technical guidance and limited professional capacity.
The results further demonstrate that optimization awareness significantly influences professionals' perceptions
of climate security benefits. Respondents with higher levels of optimization awareness reported greater
confidence in the ability of BIRES to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, strengthen
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energy independence, and enhance climate resilience. This finding suggests that knowledge and technical
competence are fundamental determinants of successful renewable energy integration within the built
environment. Professionals who understand optimization principles are more likely to appreciate the long-term
benefits of properly designed renewable energy systems than those with limited technical exposure. The non-
significant influence of professional category further indicates that awareness, rather than occupational
specialization, determines perceptions of climate security benefits. This finding supports previous studies by Ma,
Yang, and Zhang (2023), who concluded that optimized renewable energy systems achieve substantially better
environmental performance than poorly optimized installations, irrespective of the professional discipline
responsible for implementation.
The study also reveals that builders and civil engineers generally acknowledge the substantial contribution of
BIRES to climate security through reduced dependence on diesel generators, lower greenhouse gas emissions,
improved energy independence, and enhanced resilience of buildings to energy supply disruptions. These
findings are particularly important within the Nigerian context, where frequent electricity outages have resulted
in widespread dependence on fossil-fuel-powered backup generators. Consequently, optimized BIRES present
an opportunity not only to reduce operational energy costs but also to contribute to national commitments toward
climate change mitigation and sustainable urban development. Nevertheless, respondents expressed persistent
concerns regarding environmental security issues, particularly electronic waste management, hazardous
materials contained in photovoltaic modules and batteries, and inadequate recycling infrastructure. These
concerns demonstrate that renewable energy technologies should not be evaluated solely on the basis of
operational energy savings but also from a comprehensive lifecycle perspective that considers environmental
impacts during production, operation, maintenance, and disposal. This observation is consistent with Hasan and
Jelle (2024), who emphasized that lifecycle optimization is essential for ensuring that renewable energy
technologies deliver net environmental benefits.
Another important finding is the significant relationship between lifecycle optimization practices and perceived
environmental security risks. Respondents who reported limited lifecycle optimization practices also expressed
greater concern regarding environmental risks associated with renewable energy technologies. This finding
reinforces the growing recognition that environmental sustainability extends beyond energy generation to
include responsible resource utilization, waste minimization, recycling, and end-of-life management. In
developing countries such as Nigeria, where formal recycling infrastructure remains inadequate, failure to
incorporate lifecycle considerations into BIRES planning may create new environmental challenges even while
addressing climate change. Consequently, optimization strategies should incorporate lifecycle assessment,
material selection, maintenance planning, and circular economy principles to maximize both climate and
environmental security outcomes. Similar conclusions were reached by Zabalza and Valero (2025), who reported
that lifecycle assessment provides a more comprehensive evaluation of renewable energy systems than
conventional energy-efficiency indicators alone.
The findings have important implications for policy, professional practice, and research. First, there is an urgent
need for government agencies and regulatory institutions to develop localized BIRES optimization standards
that reflect Nigeria's tropical climatic conditions rather than relying on imported design assumptions. Second,
professional bodies responsible for regulating builders and engineers should strengthen continuing professional
development programmes on renewable energy optimization, lifecycle assessment, and sustainable building
technologies. Such training would improve professionals' technical competence and enhance confidence in
renewable energy implementation. Third, incentives such as tax relief, import duty reductions on renewable
energy components, and financial support for locally manufactured technologies could significantly reduce
implementation barriers identified in this study. Finally, future studies should expand the geographical scope
beyond South-East Nigeria and incorporate additional built environment professionals, including architects,
quantity surveyors, and mechanical and electrical engineers, to provide a broader understanding of BIRES
optimization across the Nigerian construction industry. Such studies may also employ longitudinal or mixed-
method research designs to examine changes in optimization practices over time and to generate deeper insights
into factors influencing successful renewable energy integration.
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CONCLUSION
The study examined the optimization of Building-Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (BIRES) for climate
and environmental security within the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, focusing specifically on 150
registered builders and civil engineers. The findings indicate that although BIRES adoption in the region remains
relatively low, there is a strong recognition among built environment professionals of its potential to promote
sustainable energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve climate resilience. Most respondents
acknowledged that properly optimized BIRES can significantly reduce dependence on diesel generators, enhance
energy independence, and contribute to environmentally responsible building practices. These findings
demonstrate that the potential benefits of BIRES are widely appreciated, even though practical implementation
remains limited.
A major outcome of the study is the identification of a significant optimization gap between awareness of
renewable energy technologies and their effective application in professional practice. Only a small proportion
of respondents reported using systematic optimization techniques during the planning, installation, and
management of BIRES. Similarly, lifecycle environmental considerations, including e-waste management,
material toxicity, recycling, and resource conservation, received relatively limited attention despite respondents'
awareness of the environmental risks associated with poorly managed renewable energy systems. This finding
suggests that current BIRES implementation practices in South-East Nigeria are not sufficiently supported by
comprehensive optimization strategies capable of maximizing both technical performance and environmental
sustainability.
The statistical analyses further confirmed that optimization awareness significantly influences professionals'
perceptions of climate security benefits, while inadequate lifecycle optimization practices are significantly
associated with increased perceptions of environmental security risks. These findings demonstrate that technical
knowledge and optimization competence are critical determinants of successful BIRES implementation. The
study therefore establishes that improving optimization awareness among builders and civil engineers is likely
to strengthen confidence in renewable energy technologies and promote more effective integration of BIRES
into building projects. At the same time, incorporating lifecycle assessment principles into planning,
construction, operation, and end-of-life management is essential for minimizing unintended environmental
impacts and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Overall, the study concludes that the principal barriers limiting effective BIRES implementation in South-East
Nigeria are not technological but institutional, educational, economic, and regulatory. Inadequate professional
training, limited optimization awareness, high costs of imported renewable energy components, absence of
localized tropical climate design guidelines, and weak policy implementation collectively constrain the
widespread adoption and optimization of integrated renewable energy systems. Addressing these barriers will
require coordinated efforts among government agencies, professional regulatory bodies, higher education
institutions, and the private sector to develop policies and programmes that promote sustainable renewable
energy integration within the built environment.
The study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between
optimization awareness, climate security, and environmental security among built environment professionals in
Nigeria. Its findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, educators, and practitioners seeking
to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon and climate-resilient buildings. Consequently, the study
recommends continuous professional capacity building on BIRES optimization, integration of renewable energy
and lifecycle assessment into construction-related curricula, development of localized optimization standards,
strengthening of national building regulations, and increased investment in renewable energy research and local
manufacturing. Although the study was limited to builders and civil engineers in South-East Nigeria, it provides
a useful foundation for future investigations involving other built environment professionals and wider
geographical coverage. With appropriate institutional reforms and sustained investment in optimization
practices, BIRES can become an effective strategy for improving energy security, mitigating climate change,
and promoting environmental sustainability within Nigeria's built environment.
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