Abstracts – Browse Results
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Adebimpe, O A, Proverbs, D G and Oladokun, V O (2021) A fuzzy-analytic hierarchy process approach for measuring flood resilience at the individual property level. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 197-217.
Ahadzie, D K, Opoku, R, Opoku Ware, S N and Mensah, H (2021) Analysis of occupant behaviour in the use of air-conditioners in public buildings in developing countries: evidence from Ghana. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 259-82.
- Type: Journal Article
- Keywords: acs; behavioural; climate change; design implications efficiency
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-01-2020-0001
- Abstract:
Purpose: The use of air-conditioners (ACs) is on the increase in the developing world, with exacerbating compounding effect on carbon footprints. With this development, there is the expectation that developing countries would begin to appreciate and understand occupant behaviours in the use of ACs towards combating climate change, especially as building energy consumption is heavily influenced by the behaviour of its occupants. This study aims to identify occupant behaviours that leads to efficient use of ACs in public buildings so that these can be factored into developing guidelines for improving energy efficiency in buildings. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), survey questionnaire was used to collect data in office buildings in Kumasi, Ghana. Partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analysis was employed for the analysis. Findings: Switching on fan(s) as alternative to ACs has a path coefficient of 0.527, suggesting that it will have the most positive impact on energy consumption as far as AC use is concerned. The second occupant behaviour with a positive impact on energy consumption for AC use is opening windows for natural ventilation accounting for 0.351 significant path coefficient. Wearing of light or heavy clothing as a means of conserving energy achieved 0.174 impact coefficient while occupant behaviour of switching off ACs when leaving the room came last in the ranking, with an impact coefficient of 0.146. TBP is validated in this model, given that all the four occupant behaviours had their perceived behavioural control (PBC) having less impact on the behaviour compared to the behavioural attitude (BA) and the subjective norm (SN). Research limitations/implications: This research focused on public buildings used as offices, and the findings may not be applicable to private company buildings and also residential properties. Given that Ghana and, for that matter, many developing countries rely heavily on thermal plant for electricity generation, the climate change implications of the findings are discussed. Practical implications: It is recommended that behaviours of occupants should be considered and factored in building energy predictions to bridge the energy performance gap. Subsequently, project managers, designers and energy consultants are encouraged to provide fans and openable windows in offices, even if there is going to be an air-conditioning provisions. Originality/value: Originality emanates from the paper being at the forefront of helping to understand occupants’ behaviour in the use ACs and associated climate change implications in a developing country context. One of the new variables introduced, switching on fans as an alternative to ACs, achieved the highest path coefficient and has important implication for occupant behaviour in the use of ACs in the literature.
Ahmed, S, Hossain, M M and Haq, I (2021) Implementation of lean construction in the construction industry in Bangladesh: awareness, benefits and challenges. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 368-406.
Amadi, A I (2021) A back-end view to climatic adaptation: Partitioning weather-induced cement demand variance in wet humid environment. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 153-74.
Amoah, C, Kajimo-Shakantu, K and Schalkwyk, T (2021) Meeting the expectations of the social housing recipients in South Africa: a myth or reality?. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 218-34.
Borgeson, S and Brager, G (2011) Comfort standards and variations in exceedance for mixed-mode buildings. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 33.
Cândido, C, Lamberts, R, de Dear, R, Bittencourt, L and de Vecchi, R (2011) Towards a Brazilian standard for naturally ventilated buildings: guidelines for thermal and air movement acceptability. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 145–53.
de Dear, R (2011) Revisiting an old hypothesis of human thermal perception: alliesthesia. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 108–17.
Falorca, J F and Lanzinha, J C G (2021) Facade inspections with drones–theoretical analysis and exploratory tests. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 235-58.
Ghosh, A, Edwards, D J, Hosseini, M R, Al-Ameri, R, Abawajy, J and Thwala, W D (2021) Real-time structural health monitoring for concrete beams: a cost-effective ‘Industry 4.0’ solution using piezo sensors. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 283-311.
Guo, K, Zhang, L and Wang, T (2021) Concession period optimisation in complex projects under uncertainty: a public–private partnership perspective. Construction Management and Economics, 39(02), 156–72.
Hudson, F S, Sutrisna, M and Chawynski, G (2021) A certification framework for managing the risks of non-compliance and non-conformance building products: a Western Australian perspective. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 312-43.
Le, P L, Jarroudi, I, Dao, T and Chaabane, A (2021) Integrated construction supply chain: an optimal decision-making model with third-party logistics partnership. Construction Management and Economics, 39(02), 133–55.
Li, H, Li, W, Wang, L and Lv, L (2021) Public satisfaction evaluation of urban water environment treatment public-private partnership project: A case study from China. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 407-32.
Moezzi, M and Goins, J (2011) Text mining for occupant perspectives on the physical workplace. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 169–82.
Owusu-Manu, D G, Ghansah, F A, Darko, A and Asiedu, R O (2021) Service quality of insurance in complex project deals in the construction industry in Ghana. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 344-67.
Purushothaman, A and Thirumaran, K (2021) Evaluating the climate-responsive design strategies of vernacular buildings in Konearirajapuram village, Nagappattinam, India. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 39(02), 175-96.
Scharpff, J, Schraven, D, Volker, L, Spaan, M T J and de Weerdt, M M (2021) Can multiple contractors self-regulate their joint service delivery? A serious gaming experiment on road maintenance planning. Construction Management and Economics, 39(02), 99–116.
Strengers, Y and Maller, C (2011) Integrating health, housing and energy policies: social practices of cooling. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 154–68.
Wang, R, Lu, W and Wei, Y (2021) Owners’ use of contract-based power in construction project transactions: restrictions from process specificity and uncertainty. Construction Management and Economics, 39(02), 117–32.
Zhang, H, Arens, E and Pasut, W (2011) Air temperature thresholds for indoor comfort and perceived air quality. Building Research & Information, 39(02), 134–44.
Zhang, J and Yuan, X (2021) Stochastic modelling of maintenance flexibility in Value for Money assessment of PPP road projects. Construction Management and Economics, 39(02), 173–91.