ASSESSMENT OF AN INTEGRATING DESIGN APPROACH OF PASSIVE COOLING PRINCIPLES IN HOTEL IN MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Over the years, hospitality has thrived on the high side of energy demand and consumption; accounting for up to 20% to 50% of global energy consumption. In Nigeria, the cost of energy has generally shot up astronomically to a frightening position which mandates the need for sustainable buildings that yield energy conservation through passive means. In order to achieve thermal comfort in hotels in Northern Nigeria where the average temperature is considerably high for most parts of the year, it is vital for the buildings envelope to reduce heat gain to keep the indoor air temperature lower than outdoor temperature; hence, the need for passive cooling building design approach. This study aims at assessing the passive cooling design techniques in hotels within minna, Nigeria. The study adopts a rather descriptive research method with the use of purposefully and well-structured observation schedules to assess attendant level of integration of passive cooling principles in the design of hotels in minna, Nigeria. The findings which were presented using tables, pictures and charts show a low level of implementation and use of passive cooling principals in the design of hotels within the study area. Architects, and other professionals in the built industry should incorporate passive cooling feathers in the hotel buildings as an inherent part of the design; which is a recommendation this paper puts forward. This paper concludes by advocating for the and generally in Nigeria to further preach the global gospel of energy conservation and sustainability.