The Role of Occupant Behaviour and Thermal Comfort in Shaping Energy Flexibility in Ghana

Purpose Energy sustainability and occupant satisfaction in commercial real estate remain a challenge worldwide. In the era of Technology, scholars have focused primarily on technological solutions to address this challenge. However, there is a limited gap in examining the contribution of occupant behaviour (OB) in energy flexibility (EF), especially in shopping malls. This study examines the contributions of occupants’ behaviour and thermal comfort (TC) to EF in shopping malls across Ghana. Research Methodology Using a quantitative, cross sectional approach, the study combines Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) to examine behavioural patterns across retail categories. Data were collected from 219 occupants in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Research Findings The ABS showed that 25% of the agents fall within the high flexibility range (scores between 5.1 and 10). Further, 65% within the moderate range (scores between 2.1 and 5), and 10% within the low flexibility range (scores between 0 and 2). Furthermore, the PLS-SEM showed that occupants’ behaviour indirectly influences EF through TC, with a greater and significant indirect impact than the direct effect. Grocery and fashion stores showed the highest levels of behaviour-driven EF. Implications of the Study These findings underscore the need to build strategies that account for behavioural patterns, and introduce systems that incorporate comfort-focused design and awareness programmes. Furthermore, there is the need to implement behaviour responsive energy dashboards in malls, model seasonal behavioural trends, and enable energy strategies that shift throughout the year in response to changing habits and comfort needs