The Role of Smart Building Systems in Enhancing Sustainability and Operational Efficiency in Tertiary Institutions

This study examines the application of smart building systems as a strategy for promoting sustainability and improving operational efficiency in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Faced with escalating energy costs, deteriorating infrastructure, and growing environmental concerns, universities must adopt innovative facility management approaches. Smart building technologies-integrating automation, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, advanced energy monitoring, and data-driven decision-making-offer effective solutions for minimizing resource waste, optimizing maintenance operations, and enhancing service delivery. The paper highlights core features and benefits, analyzes barriers to adoption in the Nigerian higher education sector, and proposes strategic recommendations. Hypothetical case scenarios are presented to illustrate the potential transformative impact of these systems in academic environments.