Strategies and challenges for energy efficient buildings in tropical developing countries: a case-study in Ghana

Abstract

The study explores the implications of using energy efficient designs strategies in the Ghanaian construction industry to conserve energy usage and thereby save cost. It examines the role that various industrial players can play to achieve this end, especially for high rise buildings and mass housing schemes. The study is based on descriptive sample survey and computer simulation modelling. The findings show that substantial energy savings can be achieved when recommended measures are well implemented and practiced, while also achieving improved thermal comfort for building users. The results show that cooling demand can be reduced by 20% with only effective shading of windows. These recommendations would be very effective when implemented, practiced and well monitored by the building authorities to make the system easy, proficient and useful or helpful to both consumers and the building companies. The energy sectors must work with stakeholders in sustainable buildings to heighten energy efficiency in Ghana. It suggested that building authorities and other related institutions educate the contractors, building engineers, architects to realise this. The findings from this investigation show that design decision and strategies significantly influence cooling demand and overall energy use of buildings in the Ghanaian context.