COSTING FOR SMART BUILDNGS IN ABUJA

BY

EZENWA NOBLE

MAT NO: 2019/2/00004QS

DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNNA

NIGER STATE

__________ 2024

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Smart buildings can be expressed as intelligent and self-sustainable buildings by exploiting

sensors, technologies, and innovative materials to achieve energy management and occupant

comfort (Ejidike et al, 2023). These buildings leverage the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial

intelligence (AI), and big data analytics to optimize energy use, improve facility management,

and provide a more responsive environment. They use sensors and software to control various

systems, including lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and security, optimizing their

performance based on real-time data.

The key to smart building concept lies on an integrated system called smart building system that

uses automation in its operational stage (Berawi et al, 2017). According to Jenk (2024), the smart

building system comprises several key components such as IoT devices, Building Management

Systems (BMS) and communication networks. IoT devices and sensors that collect operational

data on various parameters like motion, temperature, humidity, occupancy, and light levels

which it transmits to a central analysis or control platform (Mathé, 2023). Building Management

System (BMS) is the automatic centralized control of a building's HVAC (heating, ventilation

and air conditioning), electrical, lighting, shading, access control, security systems, and other

interrelated systems (Wikipedia, 2011). According to Smith (2011), ccommunication networks

integrate telecommunications with BMS and ensure seamless data flow between devices and

systems.

According to Elliot (2022), the cost of implementing smart building technologies can be of

different types such as initial costs, operational costs and retrofitting costs. Initial Capital costs

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which include the cost of hardware (sensors, controllers, and communication devices), software,

and installation. This includes costs for importing IoT devices, building management systems,

and other necessary hardware. Research indicates that initial costs can be high, but the long-term

savings in operational costs often justify the investment (Nyakarundi, 2024). Operational costs

which include maintenance, energy consumption, and the cost of updating software and

hardware. Smart buildings are more energy-efficient and resource-conscious, leading to reduced

operational costs overtime (Bytebt, 2024). Retrofitting costs for existing buildings, which

according to Hall (2021), some worry that it will be too high but doesn’t have to be a one and

done process.

Just as is the case with traditional buildings, there are certain factors that affect costing for smart

buildings. According to Patobe Smart Homes (2023), factors affecting the cost of home

automation in Nigeria include the size of the home, the level of automation wanted by a client,

the quality of components and how hard it is to install.

There are also several challenges associated with implementing smart buildings. The

implementation of the smart building concept is still below expectations due to various obstacles

such as higher initial cost than a conventional and the existing regulation siding with the lowest

cost in the tender process (Berawi et al, 2017). Integrating various systems and ensuring they

communicate effectively can be challenging due to technological complexity. The vast amount

of data generated by smart buildings requires secure management to protect users’ privacy and to

prevent cyber-attacks. There is often a lack of skilled professionals who can design, install, and

maintain smart building systems.

Advances in smart building technology have driven the extensive development of smart

buildings to generate economic and environmental benefits for building owners through the

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convergence of IT and building automation systems (Qolomany et al, 2019). The benefits of a

smart building cannot be overemphasised. Smart buildings can reduce energy consumption by up

to 30% through optimized control of HVAC, lighting, and other systems (IEA, 2020). According

to Philipon (2023), smart buildings provide valuable insights and real-time data, reduce energy

consumption and energy bill, reduce operational costs, allows for predictive maintenance as well

as improving occupant’s comfort and productivity.

Over traditional buildings, smart buildings are automated, energy-efficient, and data-driven,

offering long-term cost savings and sustainability (Sclera, 2023). According to Sclera (2023), the

key to ultimate user comfort is to combine the time-tested practices of traditional construction

with the connectivity and efficiency of smart buildings. To overcome the obstacles of

transforming traditional buildings into smarter buildings, a well thought out plan, a diversified

team of professionals, and a thorough comprehension of the particular needs of the building are

necessary. Collaboration with technology vendors, integrators, and cybersecurity experts is also

crucial to overcome any technological or organizational challenge.

Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is known for its well-planned architecture and infrastructure.

By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by smart buildings,

Abuja can position itself as a leader in sustainable urban development in Africa. While the initial

costs are high, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, occupant comfort, and

sustainability are substantial. A detailed cost analysis, considering local conditions and potential

benefits, is crucial for the successful implementation of smart buildings in Abuja.

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1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Smart cities and intelligent building will be the future trend of urban development. With the

advent of new concepts and techniques brought by the Internet of things (IoT) across the world,

all fields of life are progressively shifting towards smart societies.

In Nigeria, 2024, school curriculums in the field of construction do not generally appear to have

fully recognised and appreciated the positive changes and advantages that the new technology is

providing hence the negligence in teaching related subject areas. However, out there in the “real

world”, clients and companies alike are beginning to demand and employ these new technologies

in building and construction.

It is to this end that this research intends to highlight the various components that make a smart

building and with cost estimation and control methods as is pertinent to the field of Quantity

Surveying.

1.3 Research Questions

In order to solve the identified research problem, this study answered the following questions:

a) What are the common components that make a smart building?

b) What are the cost estimates for smart building components?

c) What effective cost control methods can be employed in the construction of smart

buildings?

1.4 Aim and Objectives

1.4.1 Aim

The aim of this research is to assess smart buildings with a view to highlighting the various

components that make a smart building together with cost estimation and control methods.

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1.4.2 Objectives

i. To identify common components that constitutes a smart building.

ii. To evaluate the cost estimate of various components of smart buildings in Abuja.

iii. To determine effective cost control methods to adopt in the construction of a smart

building.

1.5 Significance of the Study

It is of the hope and assurance that the results of this research shall clear the path for official

bodies of the educational system in the field of construction to come to terms and be elucidated

on the phenomenon which is the advent of smart buildings. A perception and agreement as such

will be used to make better their current curriculum.

It is also foreseen that the results of this research would help Quantity Surveyors and other

professionals in the construction industry to have more knowledge on how to approach the

construction of smart buildings and to ensure that they encourage the construction of smart

buildings in Nigeria as they proffer more advantages than traditional buildings.

Furthermore, this study will illuminate the uses and as well as the cost impacts of smart

components in building construction. It is a positive anticipation and expectation that the study

will reveal that the advantages of smart buildings outweigh whatever cost impacts they may have

as opposed to conventional buildings and that it can be used as a model for construction in

different areas across the country.

This research will also serve as a reliable source of information for future explorers of this field.

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1.6 Scope of the Study

This study is focused on assessing the various components that make a smart building and their

relationship to building cost in Abuja; however, it is purely theoretical.

Conversely, the research was limited by the availability of resources such as money and time,

first, due to the finances of the researcher (a student) and second, the limitation of time in the

designated academic calendar in which the research was conducted.