The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria has entered into a partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit to strengthen the capacity of architects and other built environment professionals in energy efficient building design.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS office in Abuja under the organisation’s Just Transition and Inclusion Cluster.
The partnership brings together three German supported programmes, the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, the Partnership for Energy Efficiency in Buildings and the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa, alongside ARCON’s mandate to regulate architectural education and professional practice in Nigeria.
Under the agreement, ARCON and GIZ will work on updating competency standards and training materials for Energy Efficient Building Design. The partnership will also support the creation of a national training network and an EEBD certification framework for architects and other professionals in the built environment.
The partners hope the initiative will make energy efficiency, sustainable construction and climate responsive design a more established part of professional training and everyday architectural practice in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of ARCON at the ceremony, the President of the Council, Arc. Sir Oladipupo Ajayi, praised GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS and its partner programmes for recognising the important role architects can play in Nigeria’s transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
He said the building sector has a major influence on energy consumption, environmental sustainability, urban resilience and the quality of life, making it necessary for architects to give greater attention to energy efficient and climate responsive designs.
Ajayi described the agreement as an opportunity for knowledge sharing, professional development, innovation and practical action. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development reach different sections of society.
“ARCON is committed to working with all partners to achieve the agreement’s objectives through professional development, appropriate standards, and the integration of energy efficiency and sustainability into education, practice and building delivery,” he said.
The ceremony was opened by GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS Country Director, Dr Markus Wagner, while Dr Karin Jansen, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Abuja, delivered the opening remarks.
Sharon Kaburuk, Head of Component for Capacity Development at the Nigerian Energy Support Programme, also gave an overview of the agreement and its expected impact on professional capacity within Nigeria’s built environment sector.
