The Role of Industrial Energy Audits in Promoting Sustainability in Nigerian Manufacturing Companies
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
The manufacturing sector is a major consumer of energy worldwide, and in Nigeria, inefficient energy use has led to increased production costs, environmental degradation, and reduced competitiveness. Given the country's unreliable power supply and high dependency on fossil fuels, manufacturers often resort to diesel generators, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and high operational expenses (Adebayo et al., 2024). Industrial energy audits serve as a crucial tool for identifying energy inefficiencies, optimizing energy consumption, and enhancing sustainability in manufacturing.
Energy audits involve a systematic assessment of energy use within industrial facilities, helping businesses implement energy-saving measures that reduce costs and environmental impacts. These audits align with the Nigerian government's push for sustainable industrialization, as outlined in the National Energy Policy (2023), which emphasizes energy efficiency as a strategy for economic growth and environmental protection. However, despite the benefits of energy audits, adoption remains low in Nigeria due to limited awareness, financial constraints, and inadequate regulatory enforcement.
By examining the role of industrial energy audits in promoting sustainability, this study aims to highlight their potential in reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and improving the financial performance of Nigerian manufacturing firms.
Statement of the Problem
Many Nigerian manufacturing companies struggle with high energy costs and inefficiencies that hinder sustainability and profitability. Without proper energy management strategies, these companies face financial losses and increased environmental pollution (Ogunleye & Yusuf, 2024). Although industrial energy audits can help optimize energy use, most manufacturers either do not conduct them or fail to implement the recommendations. The lack of regulatory enforcement and limited technical expertise further exacerbate the problem.
Given these challenges, this study seeks to explore how industrial energy audits contribute to sustainability by reducing energy waste, promoting cost efficiency, and enhancing environmental responsibility. It will also assess the barriers to widespread adoption and suggest strategies to encourage manufacturers to integrate energy audits into their operations.
Objectives of the Study
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To examine the impact of industrial energy audits on energy efficiency and sustainability in Nigerian manufacturing companies.
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To identify the challenges hindering the adoption of energy audits in the manufacturing sector.
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To evaluate strategies for enhancing the implementation of energy audits for improved sustainability.
Research Questions
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How do industrial energy audits contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability in Nigerian manufacturing companies?
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What are the major barriers to the adoption of energy audits in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector?
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What strategies can be implemented to improve energy auditing practices for sustainable manufacturing?
Research Hypotheses
Ho1: Industrial energy audits do not significantly improve energy efficiency and sustainability in Nigerian manufacturing companies.
Ho2: There are no significant barriers hindering the adoption of energy audits in the Nigerian manufacturing sector.
Ho3: Implementing energy audit strategies does not significantly enhance sustainability in manufacturing.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on selected manufacturing companies across different sectors in Nigeria, assessing their use of energy audits and the impact on sustainability. The limitations may include restricted access to corporate energy data and varying levels of energy audit implementation among firms.
Definitions of Terms
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Industrial Energy Audit: A systematic analysis of energy consumption within a manufacturing facility to identify inefficiencies and recommend conservation measures.
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Sustainability: The adoption of practices that ensure long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits.
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Energy Efficiency: The ability to achieve desired industrial output while minimizing energy consumption.
