Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
The use of passive cooling techniques combined with a low cooling load may result in good thermal comfort. The passive design responds to local climate and site conditions to maximize the efficiency and health of building users while minimizing energy use. It generally believed that passive cooling is healthier, cheaper and sustainable. However, it is not certain where there is provision for the active cooling system; users of such building may prefer passive cooling hence. This study aims to elicit users preference for passive cooling in the senate building chamber of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola; by administering questionnaires to the users available at the time of the research work. A total of 50 questionnaires were administered, 45 were retrieved and evaluated using 5-point Likert ordinal scale (5 = Strongly agree; 4 = Agree; 3 = Undecided; 2 = Disagree; and 1 = Strongly disagree). Weighted mean values were calculated based on which decisions were made: When the weighted mean value is not less than 3.5, it was decided as agreement; and disagreement when weighted mean values were not more than 2.4. The result showed users preference for passive cooling in the senate building chamber of Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Yola and users awareness about issues of sustainability. It was recommended that passive cooling strategies should be incorporated in future building designs to boost energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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