Energy-saving practices among postgraduate students: A case study at the Pan African University

Abstract

Currently, energy efficiency with energy conservation are key topics that are in discussion among various scholars and communities. Energy efficiency is influenced by energy savings. In the modern era of development, energy saving is believed to be tackled through two main approaches: (1) change in behavior and (2) development of new technologies. Thus, this study aims to assess postgraduate students’ practices and behavior on energy-saving living in the Olatunde Runsewe and Adebayo Akande Halls at the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute in Nigeria. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from the students, and Pearson correlation was used to explore the relationship between sociodemographic information and students’ energy-saving practices. The findings were interpreted and presented in terms of themes, figures, and tables. The findings showed positive and negative significant effects among the sociodemographic data and students’ energy-saving practices. Most of the respondents are aware of the costs paid for electricity, while less than half of them believe that the costs paid for accommodation are reasonable compared to the services provided in the rooms. Moreover, most respondents switched off electrical appliances when they were not in use. It is recommended that further empirical studies should be conducted to assess the interactions between sociodemographic factors, students’ energy-saving practices and governmental policies and regulations relating to energy.