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This study evaluates the effectiveness of various cooling strategies in reducing thermal discomfort and energy consumption in low-cost housing estates in Bauchi, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach combined field measurements, surveys, and simulations to evaluate the performance of passive and active cooling strategies in 50 housing units of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa housing estate. The strategies included natural ventilation, buffer space, building shape, external colour, texture of the building, optimum orientation, materials specification, insulation, shading devices, windows, thermal mass, landscaping etc. Results show that passive cooling strategies reduced indoor temperatures by up to 5°C and energy consumption by 30%. Evaporative cooling systems provided an additional 2°C temperature reduction. However, air conditioning remained the most widely used cooling method despite its high energy consumption. Occupant surveys revealed a preference for natural ventilation and shading devices due to their low cost and effectiveness. This study demonstrates the potential of integrated cooling strategies to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency in low-cost housing estates in Bauchi. The findings inform policy and design recommendations for sustainable and affordable housing in Nigeria's residential sector.
Ibrahim et al. (Wed,) studied this question.