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L-R: Managing Partner, Jagun Associates, Stephen Ola Jagun; President, International Facility Management Association, Nigeria Chapter, Olalekan Akinwunmi; Managing Director, Benign Spaces Limited, Ms. Modupe Odude; Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Omojola; Immediate Past President, IFMA Nigeria Chapter, Segun Adebayo and Chief Operating Officer, Freedom Park, Ms. Iyabode Aboaba during the IFMA Nigeria Colloquium at the Big 5 Construct Nigeria held in Lagos.
The Managing Director of Benign Space, Modupe Odude, has emphasised the critical role of technology in creating greener and more efficient structures.
Speaking at the recent International Facility Management Association, Nigeria Chapter colloquium, he noted that by integrating advanced systems like smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and solar panels, building owners could significantly reduce their environmental footprint while optimising energy consumption.
According to Odude in a statement on Sunday, technology has emerged as a vital tool in ensuring sustainable building management.
He emphasised the transformative power of technology in enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and optimising operations within the built environment.
He mentioned that those technological solutions not only contributed to a more sustainable future but also offered long-term cost savings and improved indoor air quality.
He highlighted that technology could be leveraged throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to ongoing maintenance and operations.
According to Odude, building information modeling software, for example, enables stakeholders to visualise and analyse building designs, identify potential issues early on, and make informed decisions to improve sustainability.
He explained, “With technology, we can gather real-time data and insights from various building systems, such as energy consumption, water usage, and environmental conditions.
“This data-driven approach allows us to identify areas for improvement, optimise resource utilisation, and implement targeted measures to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Odude emphasised the role of Internet of Things devices in creating smart buildings.
“By connecting various building components, such as lighting systems, HVAC equipment, and security systems, IoT technology enables remote monitoring, automated control, and predictive maintenance. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces maintenance costs and minimises disruptions.
“Technology empowers facility managers to make data-driven decisions and implement innovative strategies that promote sustainability. As the built environment continues to evolve, the integration of technology will be essential in achieving sustainable building management practices. By leveraging the power of technology, facility managers can play a significant role in addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and creating a more sustainable future,” he asserted.
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria recently called on building industry professionals to prioritise the construction of eco-friendly buildings.
The council’s chairman, Samson Opaluwah, made this appeal during a workshop for members of the Nigerian Institute of Builders in Facilities Management.
“The incidents in Lagos and Ogun States are linked to climate change. To combat this, we need to focus on green buildings.
“The sort of thing that happened in Lagos and Ogun states cannot be divorced from climate change. And what we can use to address climate change is green buildings.
“They are environmentally friendly homes. Homes that will not use too much carbon because carbonation is the norm where so that you will deflate the ozone layer,” he said.
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