By Moses Gbande
Plateau State Goverment in collaboraton with the Federal Ministry of Power (FMP), the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing (FMWH), the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperaton and Development (BMZ) Thursday, March 17, launched the Plateau State Building Energy Efficiency Code (BEEC)
BEEC which is within the framework of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) NESP is a technical assistance programme, co-funded by the EU and the BIZ, and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with FMP,
The BEEC, which specifies the minimum requirements to achieve energy efficiency in building design and construction was developed and launched at the Federal level in 2017 as part of NESP’s framework on Creating an enabling environment for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in Nigeria.
Following the collaborative selechon of 6 target states (Lagos, Edo, Plateau, Kaduna, Enugu and Adamawa States) for the pilot adoption of the BEEC, NESP has been providing technical assistance to Lagos, Edo a Piateau States for the pilot adoption of the BEEC in these states.
Plateau state, as the first state to complete the Code adoption process, sets the pace for other states within the North Central geopolitical zone in reaching Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions towards mitigating carbon emissions.
Plateau- state Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Alh. Idris Gambo, emphasised that the State government was committed to playing its role in the drive towards a cleaner environment. “As a state, we are proud to have taken this significant step towards contributing to a sustainable building industry not just in the North Central but also throughout Nigeria.
“We now look forward to the next phase of empowering our professionals with the relevant knowledge to support the widespread impiementation of the BEEC”, he added.
On his part, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Housing, Hon Brian Dadi applauded the Plateau State government on the adoption of the Code and expressed optimism on the benefits of incorporating the BEEC tn the state’s housing sector.
“The BEEC will assuredly change our approach towards housing development projects. In the short and long term, this wouldundoubtedly boost the economy and people of Piateau State”. He added.
The Acting Director, Renewable and Rural Power Access at the Federal Ministry of Power, Engr. Abubaka ALI-DAPSHIMA, stated “As we work towards increasing power supply in the country, we are equally concerned about the efficient use of energy that is currently accessible to Nigerians. This Code is a major step towards ensuring that energy efficiency becomes a way of life for our peaple.”
In his goodwill message, the Director, Engineering Services, Engr. Valentine NWAIMO, on behalf the Honourable Minister, FMWH, expressed his delight in the continuous impact of sustainable ene systems on the built environment in Nigeria over the last few years. “By investing in energy-efficient buildings our cities would benefit from the economic, social and environmental contributions of these systems.
Also speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ms. Inga STEFANOWICZ represented by Godfray OGBEMUDIA, noted that “The EU remains steadfast providing the necessary support for the energy sector in Nigeria, particularly this activity which would be official in the reduction of energy waste as well as lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutions.
In her remarks, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Ms. Ina HOMMERS represented at the event by Markus WAUSCHKUHN, reflected on the positive notes of the adoption for Plateau State, highlighting a more efficient future with favourable environmental, health and economic impact for Plateau State. “The Plateau BEEC firmly pivots the state’s building sector towards clean, low-carbon emission technologies which form the bedrock for meeting, and possibly exceeding its long-term climate and carbon neutrality goals.”
Additionally, the Head of Programme, NESP, Mr. Duke BENJAMIN, in his remarks, stated the willingness to support other states in Nigeria. “NESP is open to support all other states interested in the adoption of the BEEC’.The BEEC, when implemented tn Plateau State, could potentially provide at least 34% energy savings in the operational cost of buildings while providing a sustainable environment for Plateau state’s residents.
Nasarawa Reporters 