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1 – 10 of 623Nur Dalilah Dahlan, Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini and Norhaslina Hassan
Recent studies have found that the high demand for air-conditioning usage in tropical countries has affected the thermal adaptability of building occupants to hot weather, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent studies have found that the high demand for air-conditioning usage in tropical countries has affected the thermal adaptability of building occupants to hot weather, and increased building energy consumption. This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of transient thermal environment changes on participants' sensory and physiological responses.
Design/methodology/approach
The change of thermal perceptions, skin temperatures and core temperatures when exposed to transient thermal environments (cool-warm-cool) from 10 college-aged female participants during a simulated daily commute by foot to class in a tropical university campus were investigated. Subjective measurements were collected in real-time every 5 min.
Findings
The main finding suggests that participants were acclimatised to cool air-conditioned indoor environments, despite exhibiting significant mean skin temperature differences (p < 0.05). In addition, exposure to uniform air conditioning from 17 to 18°C for 20 min was thermally unacceptable and reduced concentration during given tasks.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on thermal comfort conditions in a uniform air-conditioned lecture hall, and the findings may not be applicable for residential and other private building spaces. The distinct temperature difference between indoor and outdoor in the tropical built environment resulted in high dependence on air-conditioning usage. The building occupants' well-being and energy conservation implications of the findings are discussed.
Practical implications
This study provides the platform for discussion on the dynamics of occupants' comfort level and adopting a more variable thermal environment in tropical spatial transient thermal environments among architects and building management system managers. The findings from this study may contribute to the Malaysian Standards for Energy Efficiency and Use of Renewable Energy for Non-Residential Buildings (MS1525).
Originality/value
A knowledge gap in adaptive thermal comfort due to exposure from transient conditions in tropical university campus for energy efficiency revision has been investigated.
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Christian Koranteng, Barbara Simons and Charles Essel
The ever-increasing demand and consumption of energy and the effects of global warming with its long-term comrade, climate change, is obvious today than ever before. In today’s…
Abstract
Purpose
The ever-increasing demand and consumption of energy and the effects of global warming with its long-term comrade, climate change, is obvious today than ever before. In today’s world, naturally-ventilated buildings hardly provide the satisfaction that occupants need and wish for. It’s on this backdrop that the study aims to investigate how responsive buildings on the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana campus are to its warm humid climate and assess students thermal comfort levels.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Empirical investigation was carried out using the survey approach. In total, 14 buildings (offices, classrooms and halls of residences) were assessed using the Mahoney Tables. Again, subjective thermal perceptions of occupants in the halls of residences was sought. A total of 214 valid questionnaires were used for the analysis.
Findings
Adaptive principles like the Mahoney Tables are not followed in recent years. Even where these principles have been followed, indoor spaces were still found to be uncomfortable. In total, 58 per cent of the occupants in all the three halls of residence voted in the comfort band: an indication unacceptable sensations. Warm sensation votes (44 per cent) was more than cool sensation votes (29 per cent). In warm sensation, 39 per cent of the subjects preferred cooler environment. The occupants felt that opening windows and the use of fans could keep them comfortable. Moreover, 48 per cent of the subjects voted that their fans and windows were effective.
Originality/value
The papers contribution to the body of knowledge is the provision of empirical evidence in the field of adaptive designs and thermal comfort. There is a strong indication from the results that human activities in terms of blatant disregard for laid down design principles coupled with the worsening situation of global warming is making interior spaces ever uncomfortable.
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Abiodun Olatunji Abisuga, Cynthia Changxin Wang and Riza Yosia Sunindijo
This paper aims to identify user-centred facilities performance attributes of higher education buildings and how they can be used to evaluate individual learning spaces. These…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify user-centred facilities performance attributes of higher education buildings and how they can be used to evaluate individual learning spaces. These attributes are then consolidated for developing a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) framework in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of the literature on the POE of higher education buildings is conducted.
Findings
This study identifies 36 facility performance attributes in higher education buildings, which can be categorised into four dimensions: ambient; spatial; technology; and building support and services requirements. These facility performance attributes need to meet user requirements to achieve satisfactory feedback. It is also important to note that user requirements differ from one learning space to another; thus, it is essential to consider the characteristics of individual learning spaces.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed evaluation framework is context-based and may not be suitable to evaluate other types of buildings. It may be further extended and enhanced to meet other facility management evaluation needs.
Practical implications
The POE framework developed in this research can be used to generate facilities management analytic to inform future design and improve existing higher education facilities.
Originality/value
This research has developed a holistic POE framework tool to meet user requirements in higher education buildings.
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Yosafat Winarto, Ofita Purwani, Wiwik Setyaningsih and Bambang Triratma
This research is oriented to the need for new ideas related to the concept of a green campus that respond to climate change. The concept is simulated with a campus area in…
Abstract
Purpose
This research is oriented to the need for new ideas related to the concept of a green campus that respond to climate change. The concept is simulated with a campus area in Indonesia, a country that requires a lot of school planning for human resource development that requires clean, renewable energy and zero emissions in a humid tropical climate.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was carried out in a mixed qualitative-quantitative method using field observations and literature studies through an approach to developing a pedagogical pattern of cognitive, affective and psychomotor, relevant theoretical studies and comprehensive analysis of all variables and aspects. Analysis through the parameter matrix of green buildings and green campuses to produce a zero emission and energy efficient campus area concept.
Findings
The concept of an integrated campus area model that can holistically save energy optimally and free from emissions and can produce graduates who are aware and have high cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies toward environmental conservation efforts. Green campus design is not only physical design, but needs to be integrated with green curriculum content.
Research limitations/implications
The limitation of this research is in the scope of architectural and environmental sciences.
Practical implications
The practical implication of this research is a new green campus concept that is environmentally friendly and sustainable in a hot-humid tropical climate.
Social implications
This research revives the cognitive, affective and psychomotor competencies of human individuals at the highest level to equip the ability to repair and maintain the environment. The research resulted in a refinement of the green campus concept that was integrated into the curriculum.
Originality/value
A holistic and integrated green campus concept between the development of campus area design and human development aspects.
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Baharuddin Hamzah, Muhammad Taufik Ishak, Syarif Beddu and Mohammad Yoenus Osman
The purpose of this paper is to analyse thermal comfort and the thermal environment in naturally ventilated classrooms. Specifically, the aims of the study were to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse thermal comfort and the thermal environment in naturally ventilated classrooms. Specifically, the aims of the study were to identify the thermal environment and thermal comfort of respondents in naturally ventilated university classrooms and compare them with the ASHRAE and Indonesian National Standard (SNI); to check on whether the predicted mean vote (PMV) model is applicable or not for predicting the thermal comfort of occupants in naturally ventilated university classrooms; and to analyse the neutral temperature of occupants in the naturally ventilated university classrooms.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was carried out at the new campus of Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Gowa campus. A number of field surveys, which measured thermal environments, namely, air temperature, mean radiant temperature (MRT), relative humidity, and air velocity, were carried out. The personal activity and clothing properties were also recorded. At the same time, respondents were asked to fill a questionnaire to obtain their thermal sensation votes (TSV) and thermal comfort votes (TCV), thermal preference, and thermal acceptance. A total of 118 respondents participated in the study. Before the survey was conducted, a brief explanation was provided to the participants to ensure that they understood the study objectives and also how to fill in the questionnaires.
Findings
The results indicated that the surveyed classrooms had higher thermal environments than those specified in the well-known ASHRAE standard and Indonesian National Standard (SNI). However, this condition did not make respondents feel uncomfortable because a large proportion of respondents voted within the comfort zone (+1, 0, and −1). The predictive mean vote using the PMV model was higher than the respondents’ votes either by TSV or by TCV. There was a huge difference between neutral temperature using operative temperature (To) and air temperature (Ta). This difference may have been because of the small value of MRT recorded in the measured classrooms.
Originality/value
The research shows that the use of the PMV model in predicting thermal comfort in the tropic region might be misleading. This is because PMV mostly overestimates the TSV and TCV of the respondents. People in the tropic region are more tolerant to a higher temperature. On the basis of this finding, there is a need to develop a new thermal comfort model for university classrooms that is particularly optimal for this tropical area.
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Adi Ainurzaman Jamaludin, Nila Keumala, Ati Rosemary Mohd Ariffin and Hazreena Hussein
Three residential colleges located in a university campus at the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and built in different decades were selected for landscape studies with respect to…
Abstract
Three residential colleges located in a university campus at the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and built in different decades were selected for landscape studies with respect to species and position of the trees, as well as the effects of the current landscapes as a shelter in reducing solar radiation on buildings, as a pre-assessment for the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and assessment system. These landscape designs were carefully studied through on-site observation. The name and location of the matured plants were redrawn and visualised with standard normal photographs. The studies revealed that the old residential college landscape is dominated by tropical forest trees which are able to provide a significant shade to the buildings and offered a potential to achieve sustainable development due to a higher rate of carbon sequestration. While, palm and hybrid fruit plants were most extensively cultivated in the landscape of new residential colleges due to low maintenance and being fast growing.
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Mohammed K. Hamadina, Dimie Otobotekere and Donald I. Anyanwu
Niger Delta University (NDU) campus is located on the fringe of a Nun River Forest Reserve (NRFR) in Nigeria. The NRFR covers 97.15 km2 of humid tropical rainforest characterized…
Abstract
Purpose
Niger Delta University (NDU) campus is located on the fringe of a Nun River Forest Reserve (NRFR) in Nigeria. The NRFR covers 97.15 km2 of humid tropical rainforest characterized by torrential rains, seasonal flooding, and multi‐layered vegetation. This paper aims to conduct a wildlife study, to assess the effects of the NDU campus project on NRFR.
Design/methodology/approach
The assessment was preceded by “scoping” to determine key wildlife issues. Thereafter a mix of methods, including literature search, reconnaissance visits, field exercises, and interviews with hunters, was adopted to gather information. These were augmented with diurnal and nocturnal forest expeditions to find evidence(s) of wildlife species existence.
Findings
There is a rich assemblage of wildlife species; of which 12 are enlisted in the 2006 IUCN Red List of threatened species, while 14 are protected by Nigeria's statutes; and they are threatened by human activities. The NDU campus project shall have significant adverse impacts on the wildlife: directly through habitat loss/fragmentation, nuisance, influx of people; and indirectly by exacerbating the existing threats.
Research limitations/implications
This work is limited to the NDU campus project and its impact on NRFR. The brevity of time spent in the field coupled with the generally inaccessible terrain and remote location of the NRFR constitute the limitations that must have influenced the findings in this paper.
Originality/value
This paper reports the results of an original work, discusses the impacts of NDU campus on NRFR, and highlights conservation‐friendly local beliefs/practices that could fit into a wildlife management plan, and fosters the debate on methodologies and field initiatives.
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Leyla Ozgen, Mehmet Güllü and Elif Esra Ozturk
The aim of this study is to develop a knowledge scale for nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits for university students and conduct its validity and reliability. Another…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to develop a knowledge scale for nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits for university students and conduct its validity and reliability. Another purpose of the study is to determine whether or not the students' knowledge mean scores about nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits vary based on their demographic information.
Design/methodology/approach
The design of the study was the survey model. While the population consisted of 1,551 students studying in the faculty of health sciences, Gazi University, the sample consisted of 668 students who were determined based on criterion sampling.
Findings
When examining in terms of gender of the students, it was determined that even though mean score of the knowledge scale for nutritional values of tropical and traditional fruits was slightly higher in female students (
Originality/value
When the scale developed in this study is analysed according to demographic information, it can be asserted that the students had knowledge about the nutrients of tropical and traditional fruits. Although tropical fruits are expensive, they still prefer these fruits. It can be stated that the students had knowledge about the diversity, nutritional compounds and antioxidant content of tropical and traditional fruits.
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Jason E. Lane and Kevin Kinser
The recent development of higher education in Africa has been spurred, in part, through a variety of cross-border higher education (CBHE) initiatives. However, this is not a new…
Abstract
The recent development of higher education in Africa has been spurred, in part, through a variety of cross-border higher education (CBHE) initiatives. However, this is not a new trend and this chapter traces the development of CBHE activities in Africa from the early 1900s through the current era. While the earliest forms of CBHE were largely fostered through Western nations providing advice and validation to institutions in Africa, the types of CBHE engagements are much more varied, including collaborations among African nations. The chapter also explores the push by some African nations to become educational hubs, the variability of CBHE policies across nations, and the shift of collaboration from the global north to south.
Nurul Hayati Yong, Qi Jie Kwong, Kok Seng Ong and Dejan Mumovic
As suggested in many previous studies, good thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) played a significant role in ensuring human comfort, health and productivity in buildings…
Abstract
Purpose
As suggested in many previous studies, good thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) played a significant role in ensuring human comfort, health and productivity in buildings. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions of open-plan office areas within a green-certified campus building through a post occupancy evaluation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the field measurement method, environmental dataloggers were positioned at three office areas during office hours to measure the levels of thermal comfort parameters, CO2 concentrations and the supply air rates. At the same time, questionnaires were distributed to the available office staff to obtain their perception of the indoor environment. The findings were then compared with the recommended environmental comfort ranges and used to calculate the thermal comfort indices.
Findings
Results show that the physical parameters were generally within acceptable ranges of a local guideline. The neutral temperature based on the actual mean vote at these areas was 23.9°C, which is slightly lower than the predicted thermal neutrality of 25.2°C. From the surveyed findings, about 81% of the occupants found their thermal environment comfortable with high adaptation rates. A preference for cooler environments was found among the workers. Meanwhile, the air quality was perceived to be clean by a majority of the respondents, and the mean ventilation rate per person was identified to be sufficient.
Research limitations/implications
This study focussed on the thermal environment and air quality at selected office spaces only. More work should be carried out in other regularly occupied workplaces and study areas of the green educational building to allow a more thorough analysis of the indoor air conditions.
Practical implications
This paper highlights on the thermal comfort and air quality conditions of the air-conditioned office spaces in a green-certified campus building and is intended to assist the building services engineers in effective air conditioning control. The findings reported are useful for thermal comfort, IAQ and subsequently energy efficiency improvements in such building type where adjustments on the air temperature set-point can be considered according to the actual requirements. This study will be extended to other green campus spaces for a more exhaustive analysis of the indoor environment.
Originality/value
There is limited information pertaining to the environmental comfort levels in offices of green campus in the tropics. This study is, therefore, one of the earliest attempts to directly explore the thermal comfort and IAQ conditions in such workplace using both on-site physical measurement and questionnaire survey.
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