Thermal comfort and energy consumption in modern versus traditional buildings in Cameroon: A questionnaire-based statistical study

Abstract

The present article reports the results of a questionnaire-based statistical study of subjective answers by inhabitants regarding thermal comfort and energy consumption in their area of residence. This study was conducted in five towns of four Cameroon regions with different climatic conditions (center, littoral, west, and east). The questionnaires were distributed in more than 500 modern and traditional buildings during two seasons: a long rainy season (mid-March to mid-November) and a short dry season (mid-November to mid-March). The physical measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were performed simultaneously. The results showed that the traditional buildings were more comfortable during the two seasons. The data revealed that 51% of the occupants in traditional buildings voted for “no change” versus 37.6% in modern buildings. On the other hand, 73.4% of the occupants of modern buildings desired greater humidity versus 28% of traditional buildings. Overall, the inhabitants of modern habitats desired “more air,” while those of traditional habitats preferred no change in their environment.