Background of the study
With growing concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability, educational institutions are increasingly seeking ways to monitor and reduce their carbon footprints. In Jos South LGA, universities and colleges are exploring IoT-based smart carbon emission monitoring systems to track energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from campus facilities. These systems utilize a network of sensors to continuously monitor parameters such as CO₂ levels, energy usage, and waste emissions in real time, providing a comprehensive overview of the campus’s environmental impact (Nwankwo, 2023). The integration of IoT technology in emission monitoring enables institutions to identify high-emission zones, optimize energy consumption, and implement targeted strategies for reducing overall carbon emissions. Advanced data analytics and cloud computing facilitate the aggregation and analysis of large datasets, allowing for accurate reporting and benchmarking against sustainability standards (Ibrahim, 2024). Furthermore, real-time monitoring empowers campus administrators to take immediate corrective actions and engage in proactive energy management, contributing to long-term sustainability goals. Despite its potential, the implementation of such systems faces challenges, including high deployment costs, technical issues related to sensor calibration, and data security concerns. Additionally, integrating IoT systems with existing campus infrastructure requires significant planning and expertise. This study aims to design an IoT-based smart carbon emission monitoring system tailored to the needs of campuses in Jos South LGA, evaluating its effectiveness in tracking emissions, informing sustainability policies, and promoting environmental awareness among campus communities (Nwankwo, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the problem
Traditional methods of monitoring carbon emissions in campus environments rely on periodic manual measurements and estimations, which often lack accuracy and fail to capture real-time fluctuations. This gap in continuous monitoring hinders the ability of campus administrators to implement timely and effective interventions to reduce energy consumption and carbon output. Although IoT-based smart carbon emission monitoring systems offer real-time data collection and analysis capabilities, their deployment in campuses is challenged by high initial investment costs, sensor reliability issues, and integration difficulties with legacy systems. Furthermore, data security and privacy concerns related to the continuous collection of environmental and operational data present additional obstacles. The absence of a robust and scalable monitoring system has resulted in suboptimal environmental performance and limited progress towards sustainability targets on campus. This study seeks to investigate these challenges by evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of an IoT-based smart carbon emission monitoring system in Jos South LGA. The research will examine technical, operational, and financial barriers and propose solutions to optimize system performance and integration. By addressing these issues, the study aims to provide a strategic framework that enables campuses to accurately monitor and manage their carbon emissions, thereby supporting broader environmental sustainability initiatives (Nwankwo, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study
To design a prototype IoT-based carbon emission monitoring system for campuses.
To evaluate the system’s accuracy in tracking real-time emissions.
To identify challenges and propose strategies for effective system integration.
Research questions
How effectively does the IoT-based system monitor carbon emissions in real time?
What technical and operational challenges affect system performance?
How can the system be optimized to support campus sustainability initiatives?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores innovative IoT-based solutions to monitor and reduce carbon emissions on campuses. The findings will assist educational institutions and policymakers in developing effective strategies for energy management and environmental sustainability, ultimately contributing to the global efforts against climate change (Nwankwo, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
The study is limited to IoT-based carbon emission monitoring systems in campuses in Jos South LGA. Limitations include high deployment costs, sensor calibration issues, and data security concerns.
Definitions of terms
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that automatically collect and exchange data.
Carbon Emission Monitoring: The process of measuring and analyzing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainability: The capacity to maintain ecological and resource balance over time.