Energy Auditing and Management in Public Buildings in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Federal government buildings in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, represent a significant aggregate electricity demand that is poorly managed, with high per-square-metre energy intensities, inadequate metering, and limited implementation of energy management standards. This study conducts energy auditing and management assessments across twelve selected federal public buildings in Abuja, applying the ISO 50001 energy management system framework to evaluate current practices and recommend institutional improvements. Building-level electricity consumption data were obtained from utility providers and facility management departments, supplemented by on-site measurements of lighting, air conditioning, office equipment, and pump loads using calibrated instruments. Energy intensity benchmarks were computed and compared against international standards for government office buildings in tropical climates. Process mapping of current energy procurement, monitoring, and reporting workflows identified systemic gaps in accountability and data management. Results indicate that average energy intensity in surveyed buildings is 285 kilowatt-hours per square metre per year, approximately 2.4 times the benchmark for comparable buildings in East Africa. Air conditioning systems account for 64 percent of consumption and represent the largest efficiency opportunity. The study presents a prioritised investment roadmap projecting 38 percent energy reduction achievable through lighting retrofits, building management system installation, and air conditioning upgrade. An energy manager certification and posting framework is proposed for immediate implementation across federal ministries. Keywords: energy audit, public buildings, Abuja, ISO 50001, energy management.