Expert advocates government action on sustainable building standards

Civil engineering expert Owolabi Babatunde has said that sustainable construction is not only viable but essential for the future.

Babatunde, a principal partner at Dynamic Construction and Environmental Services, is renowned for his leadership in diverse projects spanning residential buildings, land development, and environmental solutions.

With his commitment to excellence and innovation, he has influenced both local and global sustainable construction methodologies.

An alumnus of the University of Alabama, he is poised to reshape the civil engineering landscape with his groundbreaking research on sustainable building practices.

His recent study, “Solar Energy Potential and Integration in Alabama Residential Buildings,” has garnered significant attention for its comprehensive analysis and innovative approach to integrating photovoltaic systems in urban planning.

The study, according to him, addresses the inefficiencies and higher costs associated with rooftop solar growth, offering solutions to optimise energy use and reduce electricity costs.

As a Graduate Research Assistant, Babatunde’s project meticulously examined the feasibility of solar power across five major Alabama cities, providing pivotal data on insolation, energy production, and the effectiveness of various solar panel technologies.

This research is critical as cities worldwide strive for greater sustainability in the face of climate change, offering a practical blueprint for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints.

Babatunde’s dedication to eco-friendly solutions dates back to his time at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he explored the use of pulverised cow bone ash as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement.

This innovative approach not only improved the compressive strength of concrete but also significantly reduced its environmental impact.

His pioneering work has earned him multiple accolades, including the Best Undergraduate Research Project and the Professor Emeritus A.T. Adeyemi Prize during his studies.

He has been recognised for his exceptional construction project management and execution skills, receiving the Employee of the Year award at TW-Tech Services Limited for his outstanding contributions, particularly during the construction of key infrastructure at the Dangote Oil and Petroleum Refinery.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, Babatunde’s work offers invaluable insights and practical solutions.

His research and development efforts in civil engineering are making a noticeable impact on both the academic community and industry practices, demonstrating that sustainable construction is both a practical and necessary path forward.