Stakeholder Demographics And Passive Design Strategies For Energy-Efficient Higher Education Buildings In Hot-Dry Climates: A Case Study Of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of stakeholder demographics and passive design strategies on the energy performance of higher education buildings in the hot-dry climate of Bauchi, Nigeria. The research is grounded in a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative strategies to capture both the technical performance of passive design features and the perceptions of key stakeholders. Data collection was carried out in selected higher-education buildings in Bauchi, Nigeria, chosen through purposive sampling to reflect diverse architectural typologies and user populations. The Findings reveal that 71% of students lack awareness of the relationship between building design and energy use, while 58% of facility managers’ report insufficient training in energy efficiency. Moreover, only 23% of academic staff had ever participated in sustainability-related decision-making processes. Passive design assessments show that over 80% of existing buildings suffer from poor orientation, inadequate shading, and inefficient ventilation. Passive design assessments show that a majority of existing buildings suffer from poor orientation, inadequate shading, and inefficient ventilation. Questionnaires and on-site observations consistently suggest that improvements such as applying reflective coatings and installing better shading devices could significantly reduce the internal heat gain, leading to a much more comfortable indoor environment. The study recommends an integrated framework combining stakeholder engagement, low-cost passive retrofits, and localized design guidelines. The study recommends an integrated framework combining stakeholder engagement, low-cost passive retrofits, and localized design guidelines. These findings offer actionable pathways for achieving sustainable, energy-efficient educational infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa.