The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), is collaborating with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to train stakeholders on energy performance standards for air-conditioners.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Director General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi said the objective was to accelerate transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly air-conditioner in residential, commercial and public buildings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is part of a broader project aimed at accelerating the adoption of energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions in Nigeria.
The training, however, focuses on equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills to enforce the newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners.
According to Abdulahi, this would create awareness and build technical capacity among manufacturers, importers and distributors of air-conditioners to promote compliance with the new standards.
Represented by the Acting Director of ECN, Dr. Shehu Salihu, he said that the training formed part of the project scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling in Nigeria.
“The project seeks to accelerate the transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly air-conditioners in residential, commercial and public buildings.
“In line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Renewed Hope Agenda on renewable energy,” he said.
The DG said that the growing demand for cooling systems came with significant energy consumption and environmental consequences.
“It is our collective responsibility to find sustainable ways to meet these needs while mitigating climate change,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Mr Lawal Ismaila, Head of Electrical, Laboratory, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said the training was to create awareness of new minimal energy performance that centre on energy management.
He said that everyone expected to manage energy must comply and meet Nigeria’s standard by obtaining certificate for all products.
“The new approved energy, such as air -condition, refrigerator will consume little energy than the old one.
“The old air-conditioner destroys ozone layer that protects it from ultra violet, which causes cancer,” he said.
NAN reports that the project will strengthen collaboration between the SON, ECN and private sector to support Nigeria’s energy efficiency and climate goals.