Life Cycle Improvement Framework for Optimizing Renewable Energy Systems in Institutional Buildings: A Case Study of Auchi Polytechnic Hostel

Energy unreliability and escalating operational costs continue to undermine the performance of institutional buildings in developing economies, particularly in Nigeria, where dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators remains widespread. Frequent power outages, rising fuel prices, and increasing maintenance costs negatively affect the quality of services, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability of educational institutions. This study developed and applied a Life Cycle Improvement Framework (LCIM) to optimise renewable energy systems in institutional buildings by integrating Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP), and sustainability assessment into a comprehensive decision-support framework. The student hostel at Auchi Polytechnic, Nigeria, was used as a case study. Empirical data were obtained through field energy audits, stakeholder surveys, and simulation-based performance modelling to evaluate and compare two energy configurations: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) + Battery and Grid + Diesel Generator over a 20-year life cycle. The findings reveal that the Solar PV + Battery system outperformed the conventional Grid + Diesel Generator configuration across economic, technical, and environmental indicators. Specifically, the renewable energy system achieved a life-cycle cost reduction of more than 35%, while maintaining a near-zero Loss of Power Supply Probability (0–0.37%), indicating a highly reliable electricity supply capable of meeting institutional energy demand. In addition, the environmental assessment demonstrated substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel consumption, and overall environmental impact, contributing to improved sustainability performance. These results highlight the potential of renewable energy technologies to enhance energy security while reducing long-term operating costs in institutional buildings. The study concludes that the proposed LCIM is an effective and practical framework for evaluating and optimising renewable energy investments. It provides policymakers, institutional managers, and energy planners with a reliable tool for sustainable energy decision-making and supports the wider adoption of renewable energy systems for institutional infrastructure development in Nigeria and other developing countries facing similar energy challenges.