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Publications in Scientific Journals:

C. Koranteng, A. Mahdavi:
"An investigation into the thermal performance of office buildings in Ghana";
Energy and Buildings, Volume 43 / issue 2-3 (2010), Volume 43 / issue 2-3; 555 - 563.



English abstract:
This paper comprises the outcome of a long-term monitoring of the thermal conditions in a selected
number of office buildings in Kumasi, Ghana. The observed data was not only used to assess indoor envi-
ronmental conditions in these offices, but also to calibrate a number of thermal simulation models of the buildings. Thus, a simulation-based exploration of thermal retrofit options towards a general reduction of cooling requirements could be conducted. Moreover, the impact of thermal retrofit measures towards
reducing carbondioxide(CO2) emissions was assessed and the amortization times for investments in such retrofit measures were estimated. The results suggest that improvements in building fabric and controls (with payback times of 3-12 years) can reduce buildingsī cooling loads by around 20-35% and CO2 emissions around 27%. Additionally, the outcome of interviews conducted showed that 45% and 70% of occupants in mixed-mode and naturally ventilated buildings were uncomfortable with the air quality during the dry season. The highest dissatisfaction with indoor environment was reported by 85% of the occupants in the naturally ventilated building.The importance attached to the operation of windows and
shades was relatively high, 55-80%, depending on building type.


"Official" electronic version of the publication (accessed through its Digital Object Identifier - DOI)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2010.10.021