Occupants’ evaluation of indoor environment, energy usage and controls of office buildings in Kumasi (Ghana)

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate occupants’ perception of indoor environment, operation and functionality of building control systems, and energy implications of user behaviour towards the improvement of building desig-ns. Over a period of 12 months, data loggers were installed in 5 office buildings in Kumasi (Ghana) to record temperature and relative humidity values. In addition, a comprehensive questionnaire was administered to 64 occupants. The data and responses were evaluated and analysed by MS Excel. The outcomes showed that 45 % of occupants in mixed-mode and 70 % in naturally ventilated buildings were uncomfortable with the air quality during the dry season. The highest dissatisfaction with indoor environment was reported by 85 % of occupants in naturally ventilated building. The importance attached to operating windows and shades was relatively high-er (80 %) in the mixed-mode and naturally ventilated buildings than in the air-conditioned types (55 %). Train-ing in operation and functionality of control systems was identified as key factor affecting energy performance of the office buildings. Attention to building control systems, user perceptions and behaviour could improve the design, quality and energy performance of office buildings.