The impact of design parameters on energy consumption in office buildings in Nairobi

Abstract

The prime objective of this study is to investigate the impact of design parameters on energy consumption in office buildings. The study is restricted to office buildings found in the Nairobi Central Business District. The Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) has the highest concentration of office buildings in Kenya. The study is concerned about the impact of floor areas, shape, height, perimeter, orientation, shading and extent of glazing on energy consumption. It is recognised that the above design parameters have (a) significant effect(s) on energy consumption in office buildings. These design parameters are the resultant characteristics of the design solution provided by the designer in response to various design requirements and constraints. The effect of each of the design parameters on energy consumption is disaggregated to show its relative contribution to energy consumption in office buildings.