An Evaluation Of Sustainable Design Strategies To Improve Energy Efficiency Of Shopping Malls In Abuja

The major source of energy used in existing shopping malls in Nigeria is generated viaelectricity, but due to epileptic power supply, high cost of energy and high carbonemission, there is a need to minimize energy demand in the facility. This researchevaluated sustainable design strategies and their effects on energy efficiency inshopping malls in Nigeria. The research was based on case study approach and datawas collected through visual survey, check-list ,computer simulation using "EcotectAnalysis, 2011" and interview of Architects/ designers of shopping malls in the field ofenergy as well as analysis of the environmental climate data of the proposed site. Thecase study revealed that the shopping malls as at the time of their construction did notconsider sustainable design strategies in terms of materials of the building envelope,wall and window shading as well as natural means of cooling and lighting while thecomputer simulation gave a significant reduction of 38% when sustainable buildingmaterials where used for the envelope instead of contemporary building materials. Inorder to apply and achieve a sustainable design, effort was put into understanding thelocal climate and integrating appropriate strategies such as appropriate orientation,landscaping, fenestration, shading devices and appropriate use of materials into thearchitecture. The key factors which are local climate, building envelope, lighting, andcooling systems affecting the energy efficiency of the building were analysed and thestrategies to improve its sustainability were examined. Innovative building materialsand technology such as clay bricks in concrete render, precast concrete panels and solartube day lighting system effectively utilized on a model in managing the problem oflighting and cooling energy loads were carefully investigated and these were used toovercome the energy efficiency challenges in the study area.

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