paper writing on the advantages of sustainable building design for school of architecture

1. THE ADVANTAGES OF USING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN IN
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE LAGOS
Ekeng Jerry Effiong1*
Ayogu romanus arinze 2
Dakok Tiwus Joshua3
Caleb University Imota Lagos State
College of Postgraduate studies, Department of Architecture
Authors email:jerry.ekeng@yahoo.com, arizonaromanus@gmail.com, tiwusdakok@gmail.com
Tel:+2347058560285
Abstract:
This article explores the central role of sustainable architecture in contemporary architecture,
particularly in educational institutions. Beginning with an insightful introduction that emphasizes the
immediate need to emphasize eco-friendly buildings, the paper explores the broader implications of
sustainable practices beyond merely aesthetically. Emphasizing environmental balance, energy efficiency
and occupant well-being, the introduction sets the scene for a comprehensive analysis of the benefits,
challenges and strategies of sustainable construction daily.
The literature review is in the context of sustainable construction development, considering an
environmentally sensitive approach that involves various professionals working in the construction
industry. They examine the benefits of sustainable architecture in college housing, highlighting the urgent
global changes needed to address environmental challenges. An integration of biophilic design principles,
case studies demonstrating positive impacts on college buildings, and the overall benefits of green design
are discussed in detail
They also explore the challenges of sustainable architecture, focusing on the importance of seamless
integration in the design process and understanding the relationships between urban building systems.
Indoor air quality, energy efficiency, the use of ethically sourced materials, flexible classrooms, and the
inclusion of natural daylight have been identified as important features of a school in a sustainable
system

2. 1. Introduction
Sustainable building design is a crucial and transformative method in contemporary architecture,
addressing the urgent need for ecologically responsible and resource-efficient construction. This paradigm
shift reflects a responsible reaction to the difficulties brought by climate change, resource depletion, and
increased global urbanization. The importance of sustainable building design in today's architectural
landscape goes beyond aesthetics, emphasizing the development of structures that priorities ecological
balance, energy efficiency, and occupant well-being. Globally, there is a need for alternative building
materials that require less embodied energy than conventional materials. Using plant based materials
reduces the climate change impact of building development, achieved through use of a sustainably grown
renewable resource and the atmospheric CO2 used up by the plants during their growth. Plant based
materials offer other benefits, including very high levels of thermal insulation and providing healthier
living spaces. (Walker, 2010)
Enhancing life quality is the fundamental idea underlying the adoption of sustainable practices. People in
the building industry begin to consider sustainability in the design and construction process. Goal is to
lessen greenhouse gas emissions generally for the benefit of both the environment and human health. The
history of sustainability includes the natural system from pre-human societies. Numerous advantages
come with green school buildings, such as lower operating costs, better indoor air quality, and increased
energy efficiency. Aims to systematically assess and quantify the benefits and obstacles of adopting
sustainable and environmentally friendly methods into educational facility development and operation.
This paper presents the benefit of creating sustainable requirement and needs of different sustainable
building design, materials and techniques useful for making construction of colleges which include:
Utilizing renewable energy resources.
Key word: sustainable, sustainable design, Building,

3. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN
Sustainable building design is, put simply, an environmentally conscious way of approaching the
architectural process, one that puts sustainability at the forefront of each building phase to ensure optimal
building performance and minimize the negative human and environmental impacts associated with the
built environment. In practice sustainable design seeks to construct buildings with a neutral or positive
impact by ensuring they operate at peak efficiency, are built using nontoxic, renewable (or recycled)
materials, and work with—rather than against—the surrounding biosphere. (Biro, 2023)
Sustainable building design has evolved into a broad and diverse research endeavour encompassing all
building professional source as mechanical, electrical, electronic, communication, acoustic, architectural,
and structural engineering. Owners, contractors, suppliers, and building users all contribute to the process.
There has been a lot of talk about sustainable construction in recent years.
2.2.THE BENEFIT AND IMPORTANT OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN COLLEGE
ARCHITECTURE
The today world faces an urgent need to transition to more sustainable practices, the construction
industry, which accounts for vast resource use and carbon emissions, must forge its own route to
sustainability. One possible option is to build with renewable, circular materials that do not require the
utilization of raw or prime materials, such as waste streams or by-products.
Almost 90% of people's time is spent in built environments that have replaced natural habitats because
humans have used technological advancements to improve their health and welfare without taking into
account their physiological needs. As a result, most modern buildings have caused extensive
environmental damage and have become estranged from nature. Although recent advances in sustainable
design have found a solution to this problem, they have focused solely on reducing environmental damage
and excessive resource use, without taking into account reconnecting people with nature in the modern
built environment, which has been dubbed Biophilic design. Over the last quarter century, case studies
have shown the effects of biophilic architecture on enhancing college buildings, benefits include
Enhanced Learning Environments, Improved Well-Being, better cognitive function, increased mental
endurance and attention, Greater Creativity and Innovation, and Sustainable Practices.

4. But in a world where the word “sustainability” is often thrown around, it can be difficult to understand
exactly why sustainable design is so important. Aside from the fact that green buildings produce less
carbon emissions, sustainable design helps to conserve water, reduce energy usage, and prioritizes the
health of human occupants and the environment by limiting the use of toxic building materials.
Overall this conscious approach to building design helps ensure future generations’ well-being by
protecting their access to non-renewable resources and reducing harmful emissions without
compromising our present day needs. Sustainable building design is a necessary step in combating
anthropogenic climate change and is key to reducing the built environment’s impact on the natural world.
(BIRO, 2023) When implemented properly, green design is not simply a method that is good for the
environment but also one that lowers operating costs, enhances community cohesion, improves tenant
health, and increases long-term property value. Then imagine our todays colleges been built in those
important advantages how more comfortable and happy will student be in such green environment,
enhancing the connection between college buildings and nature, positively impacting the well-being and
productivity of occupants.
We all know that there is no substitute of nature. Nature should be integral part of design. Closeness to
nature in built-environment has a positive impact on the user. The potential of nature and built-
environment correlation has not been tapped to the best of its limits. Nature in built-environment can be
incorporated in form of breeze, water features, gardens and aquarium. The strongest Nature in the Space
experiences are achieved through the creation of meaningful, direct connections with these natural
elements, particularly through diversity, movement and multi-sensory interactions. (Browning, 2014).
(14 Patterns of Biophilic Design).
A key component of sustainable practices in college buildings is adaptive reuse, which combines
community involvement, resource efficiency, and cultural preservation. By using this strategy, universities
pave the way for a future that is more robust and sustainable while also demonstrating how history,
innovation, and environmental responsibility can live together.
2.3.THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN
Despite the advances in the research and development in the built environment as discussed in the earlier
section, there are still major challenges encountered. One key challenge is in the integration of such
practices in the design process. Most designers still see such tasks as the responsibilities of the
environmental consultants rather than part and parcel of their design tasks. Thus, it is essential that more
research should be conducted to seamlessly integrate such modeling approaches with the design process.
With the advancement of Building Information Modeling (BIM) (Volk, 2014) this will serve as an

5. excellent platform for such integration to occur. It also allows a better integration of the different
simulation models so that a better understanding of the relationship between these simulation models
could be obtained. Currently, there is also lack of understanding of the inter-relationship between urban
and building systems. Such understanding is crucial as studies have shown that the microclimates, which
are very much governed by the urban systems could have major impact on the energy, thermal, and
lighting performance of buildings. Currently, there are tremendous research works done at the urban level
using Geographical Information System (GIS). The study of such inter-relationship between urban and
building systems could be facilitated by a better integration between GIS and BIM. (Wong, 2015)
2.4.PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
According to Sustainable School Design in the Spotlight: 5 Principles (Long, 2021) Here’s a look at five
key principles in eco-friendly construction for schools.
 Prioritize Indoor Air Quality
It may not seem like a substantial issue, but indoor air pollution (IAP) presents numerous health
threats and schools don’t always have the best environments. With older buildings in particular, asbestos,
dust and other particles can lead to different illnesses. Plus, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often
present in paint, which create smog and acid rain. To protect students, faculty and staff in school
buildings, workers should install HVAC systems that boost ventilation. It’s also smart to let in outdoor air
through secure windows. Every material used in the building process should be toxin- and chemical-free.
Be on the lookout for old building materials that might pose health risks for people inside, and have them
removed professionally.
 Explore Energy-Efficient Resources
All schools should emphasize energy efficiency. There are more than 17,000 school districts in the United
States, and together, they spend over $6 billion on power costs annually. Construction experts must
provide ways for schools to cut back on usage so they can save money and reduce emissions.
Consider a switch to renewable energy, like solar power.
1. Install smart lights in classrooms and offices.
2. Add occupancy sensors for lights.

6. 3. Place smart thermostats in low-occupancy areas like auditoriums.
4. Include an energy management system.
These changes don’t have to be time-intensive or costly, so they should fit almost all budgets. Energy has
become a primary concern for many schools since expenses can become so high. A few simple switches
should help facilities be more eco-friendly while saving money.
 Use Ethically Sourced Materials
Construction workers should strive to use ethically sourced materials during a renovation or build. Most
supplies should include recycled or renewable properties. For example, rubber floors are a safer, more
versatile option for schools partly because they can survive the wear and tear of primary education, but
also because they can contain recyclable materials that have a net positive effect on the environment.
These options are far better for the environment than newly made supplies, as they limit waste, reduce
production emissions and preserve energy. Plus, workers can ensure the choices don’t contain toxic
elements. While ethically sourced materials aren’t always available, they should be a priority.
 Create Adaptable Classrooms
Why should a classroom only serve one purpose? It’s more eco-friendly to create adaptable spaces than
build several areas just for a single reason. Though some rooms can only suit one design, like science
laboratories, general classrooms can adjust to many needs. Add folding walls, moveable furniture and
storage cabinets. This technique ensures the area will have multiple applications, so teachers can do a
lecture in one place and then open up the space for group activities. It eliminates the need for unnecessary
construction, so schools won’t have to take on extensive projects.
 Add Natural Daylight
This point might seem like a small one. However, daylight impacts how students learn in classrooms. It
turns out that natural light improves vision and increases productivity. Therefore, construction
professionals should emphasize it in their school designs. There are other benefits, too. When schools
have more windows, energy bills will be lower. It’s a good way to reduce carbon emissions, too.
America’s electricity system has a substantial impact on the planet, so when schools use less power for
lighting, they can help the environment, as well. Look for ways to incorporate skylights, floor-to-ceiling
windows and more.

7. 3.0. METHODOLOGY
The study only used qualitative research methods to evaluate the energy saving measures implemented in
the selected case study. The research tools used in the study are essentially observation and structural
interviews. The appropriate case study was selected using a non-random purposive sampling approach.
The selective case study was chosen based on certain criteria such as building height, number of floors,
accessibility to the building environment, and the kind of occupancy within the school building, as well as
its relevance to LEED certification. Ethical constraints were also implemented when performing the
investigation inside the case study. In this study, two school buildings were chosen as case studies.
4.0 STUDY FINDING
The result to the study finding is summarized below, with respective finding been analyzed from the study
observation guild as expressed in table 1 below
4.1. UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS (SCHOOL OF ARCHTECTUER).
The Faculty of Architecture at Unilag is located in Lagos (a city in Nigeria). The address is Vice
Chancellors Lodge, Oduduwa Dr, University of Lagos, Lagos 101245, Nigeria. The history of
Architectural Education at the University of Lagos can be traced to the establishment of the School of
Environmental Design in 1970 as a project in the Faculty of Engineering. Following the intervention of
Arc. S. I. Kola Bankole, Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the first Director Professor J.S.
Myers of the School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota, accepted the offer to start the school.
The School started to function in the academic year 1971/72 with 18 students who matriculated for the
core Bachelors of Engineering Studies (B.E.S.) programme. The School became autonomous as the
Faculty of Environmental Design in the 1973/1974 session and in the 1975/76 session, the two-tier
discontinuous BES, MED (Architecture) degree structure was introduced. At the end of the 1975/76
session the first students successfully completed the Master in Environmental Design (MED) Degree
Programme. (Faculty of Environmental Science, n.d.)

8. Fig 1: Exterior view ( Source Faculty of Environmental Science, University of Lagos)
VARIABLE UTILIZATION REMARK
Natural lighting Good utilization Achieved
Building orientation Orientated for Sun and Wind
Utilization
Achieved
Natural ventilation Mechanical and natural
Ventilation
Achieved

9. Insulation Insulation materials Present
Court yard Within the Building Present
Building form Composition of simple basic
forms of design
Achieved
Material specification High quality materials and
technology
Present
Landscape Soft and Hard Present
Architecture Expression Neutral tone and good use of
artistic elements
Achieved
5.0 CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, sustainable building appears as an important transformative approach in contemporary
architecture offering solutions to the global challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and
urbanization Yoga approaches a together they will also emphasize multidimensional benefits, including
improved learning environments starting with increased well-being and creativity.
Despite the recognized benefits, challenges remain, further research is required and sustainable practices
are incorporated into the design process Principles of sustainable design discussed in the literature Wind a
incorporation of indoor, energy-efficient, ethical materials, flexible classrooms, natural daylight into
school design and prioritization
The University of Lagos (School of Architecture) case study is a practical illustration, illustrating the
successful application of various sustainable design features The findings highlight the potential of
sustainable building design a it will emphasize environmentally friendly and waste-efficient educational
environments. As we strive to build a more sustainable future, incorporating these principles into
construction practices is crucial for the benefit of the environment, educational institutions and residents.

10. References
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https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings2020126.
Baker, L. (Feb 2012). The Impact of School Buildings on Student Health and Performance. McGrawHill.
Biro, A. (2023, December 5). Retrieved from gb&d magazine: https://gbdmagazine.com/sustainable-
building-design/
BIRO, A. (2023, December 5). Sustainable Building Design: Building for the Future. Retrieved from gb&d
magazine: https://gbdmagazine.com/sustainable-building-design/
Browning, W. R. (2014). 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. semantic scholar.
Council, N. R. (2007). Green School. Attributes for Health and Learning.
Earthman, G. I. (n.d.). THE IMPACT OF SCHOOL BUILDING CONDITION ANDSTUDENT ACHIEVEMENT,
AND BEHAVIOR. The Appraisal of Educational InvestmentEuropean Investment Bank/
Organization for EconomicCoordination and DevelopmentLuxembourg. Blacksburg, Virginia.
Faculty of Environmental Science, U. o. (n.d.). Faculty of Environmental Science, University of Lagos.
Retrieved from http://env.unilag.edu.ng/?page_id=714
Long, E. (2021, may 20). Sustainable School Design in the Spotlight: 5 Principles. Retrieved from
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design-in-the-spotlight-5-principles.html
Rodgers, L. (n.d.). Climate change . Retrieved from The massive CO2 emitter you may not know about:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46455844
Volk, R. S. (2014). Building information modeling(BIM) for existing building. Automation in Construction,
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Wong, N. H. (2015). Grand challenges in sustainable. forntiers.