An Investigation of Energy Efficiency and Occupancy Levels of Glass-cladded and Bio-climatically Designed Buildings; - a Case of CBD, Nairobi

Abstract

Today, buildings are thought to require more than 50% of the total energy consumed worldwide. Energy-efficient building design depends on a choice of suitable methods that are compatible with the local climate. The two crucial factors in tropical climates that need careful consideration are cooling technology and electrical appliances (including the lighting system). The main focus of this thesis is on building design for tropical climates. The main objectives are to establish the current state of knowledge on the energyefficiency of bioclimatic buildings in tropical climates, with a particular emphasis on Nairobi. To look into the energy efficiency and occupancy levels of glasscladded and bioclimatic buildings in Nairobi. And finally, offer recommendations for plans and regulations that Nairobi buildings should implement to become more energy efficient. The research employs a combination of data from actual performance and simulation t ools to evaluate energy efficiency. Three models with the thermal behaviour of both bioclimatic buildings, glass-cladded and one that is neither glass cladded nor bioclimatic have their energy simulations carried out. Additionally, energy efficiency monitoring is done on-site in a few buildings to record actual patterns of consumption of energy and assess how well they function in actual settings. The research also looks into user comfort in these buildings and the level of occupancy. Data on occupant satisfaction, indoor environmental quality, and thermal comfort are gathered through surveys and observations. The results are then contrasted between the two building types to look for any connections between strategies for design and user satisfaction. After gathering data from the literature and the results of case studies in Nairobi, a strategy for developing energy-efficient buildings is presented. In a nutshell, the important components in reducing energy consumption are the design of the building including site selection and planning, building form, plan and envelope, use of energy-efficient materials, use of renewable energy resources, cooling technology, and appliance efficiency. This thesis will compare the occupancy levels of bioclimatic and glass-cladded buildings in Nairobi. An energy-efficient building ensures that residents have a comfortable living environment while using the least resources and the least amount of energy. The construction process itself, moving through the building's operating maintenance cycle, and ending with its demolition are all included in measures to make a building energy-efficient. For its occupants, an energy-efficient building maintains complete functionality and thermal comfort. The demand for energyefficient building designs grows as a result of rising energy prices and the impending realities of the energy crisis. The study's findings offer critical new information about the energy efficiency and occupancy experiences of glass-cladded and bio-climatically designed buildings. The study advances knowledge of sustainable building design and offers useful data to architects, designers, and legislators that are considering employing energy-saving and environmentally conscious building practices. The recommendations from the study will be used to form policy and design guidelines for energy-efficient buildings in tropical climates