Energy Conservation Metrics Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Students in ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the level of knowledge on energy conservation among students of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Yelwa Campus, Bauchi; their attitudes towards energy conservation and the practices involved in energy conservation. Energy conservation awareness does not only bridges the widening gap between energy demand and availability, it helps to ingrain an energy saving consciousness among the society. This study used proportionate random sampling. The questionnaire for this study contains 4 section: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices toward energy conservation. The outcome of this study indicated that majority of the students have knowledge on energy conservation with a good attitude and practice toward energy conservation. The finding of this study is expected to be of significant importance to the appropriate authorities and all other agencies in their efforts to enhance the effectiveness and application of energy conservation. The outcome of this study will help in reminding and enlightening the students on their role towards increasing the level of energy to be conserved. The average age of the respondents was 23 years and 57% of the respondents were between the ages of 16-23 years. This average age indicates that most of the respondents were in their active age, which makes them suitable for this study as they responded to the questions objectively. Majority of the respondents (83.0%) know that wasteful use of energy can be avoided through energy conservation. It was also observed that 59% used energy saving appliance in their rooms, 72% of the respondents switch off the light during the day time and 56% switch off most electrical appliances which are not in used. The study recommends that equipping the students with an in-depth knowledge on energy conservation is a key factor toward energy conservation.