- CoolCalc uses Nigerian climate data to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
- The software helps engineers make precise, cost-effective cooling decisions for homes and offices.
A Nigerian engineer, Mr Victor Ojo, is reshaping how the nation approaches energy efficiency in buildings. Through his home-grown software, CoolCalc, he is enabling engineers to design smarter, climate-responsive spaces that consume less power and perform better.
Ojo began his career as an Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) Design Engineer intern in 2019. During his work, he noticed that imported tools failed to reflect Nigeria’s unique weather conditions. Therefore, he created CoolCalc a locally developed cooling load calculator that uses real Nigerian environmental data. The tool is now becoming popular among HVAC professionals across the country.
He explained that the idea came from years of frustration. Engineers often relied on foreign software built for cooler climates, leading to miscalculations and wasted energy. “Our goal was simple,” he said. “We wanted to design a system that thinks locally and helps engineers make better, data-driven decisions.”
The software ensures that cooling systems are accurately sized. Oversized systems waste power, while smaller ones underperform. By modelling cooling behaviour with local data, engineers can move from rough estimations to precise design. As a result, buildings save energy and cost while performing efficiently.
The engineer credits his university training for the theoretical foundation but emphasises that real solutions come from experience. “Classrooms teach the basics,” he said, “but real buildings demand creative adaptation.” His innovation grew from that realisation, combining academic theory with practical understanding.
He also values collaboration. The CoolCalc project brought together programmers, designers, and mentors who contributed their expertise. This teamwork, he noted, made the system stronger and more reliable.
Ojo further advocates for mentorship between senior and young engineers. According to him, intuition and analytics should work hand in hand. Traditional expertise helps identify challenges, while digital tools enhance problem-solving precision.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainability, Ojo believes energy efficiency in buildings must remain a national focus. He calls for policies that support local data collection and evidence-based design. When data guides planning, he said, “Every structure becomes a smarter, sustainable investment.”
Through innovation and collaboration, CoolCalc is proving that Nigerian engineers can drive the country’s transition to climate-resilient, energy-smart infrastructure.