Passive Design Approach to Reduce Annual Operational Energy Demand

Buildings are responsible for at least 40% of energy used in most countries. The absolute figure is rising fast as construction booms, especially in counties such as China and India. It is essential to act now, because buildings can make major contribution to climate change and energy use. Although sustainability is fast assuming a global trend, the position of architecture in actualizing passive design goals in developing countries is not encouraging. In recent times, most buildings design in Nigeria trend towards mix-use functions as in the case of shopping malls where shopping, entertainment and recreation fall under the same roof. As a result of that, high energy demand which has not been adequately met since the country faces constant power disruption due to insufficient supply of power.