The Impact Of Physical Characteristics On Thermal Performance Of Public Primary School Classrooms In Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

Given the literature on thermal performance in public schools, the impact of the form/ shape of a building on classrooms’ thermal performance cannot be overemphasized. Since buildings are responsible for almost half of the energy consumed yearly around the world, research targeted at energy savings and thermal comfort are important towards reducing the carbon footprints of buildings on the environment, thereby mitigating climate change effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the form(shapes) of primary school building envelopes on the thermal performance of primary school classrooms in Lagos. A sample of 160 classrooms was randomly selected from the various educational districts in each local government within Lagos Metropolis. Also, subjective and objective measurements were carried out according to class II field experiment method and in consonance with the stipulated standards. Pupils showed greater adaptation for heat beyond temperatures recommended by ASHRAE, which is 24⁰C. This can be ascribed to adaptations in the tropics. Of the 11 material types and the bungalow structure, the classrooms with Aluminium roof/ block wall/ metal windows/ cement screed floors had the highest occurrence. Also, the I-shaped form had the highest occurrence of the four typologies found, and the Revit-BIM modelling revealed that the ‘U’ shaped layout was found to be the least in energy loading, hence was most preferable for the tropics. These results have significant implications for stakeholders and the government in the making of climate-sensitive decisions for the construction of new school buildings.