Abstract:
Purpose – Arguments for the design of sustainable university buildings have emerged in South Africa.
Energy being a major determinant of the sustainability of buildings, the purpose of this study was to examine
the influence of various building and indoor environmental parameters on the energy performance of
university buildings in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey research method, administered within the context
of university buildings in South Africa, was used. Data about 16 buildings from three universities were
collected. Relevant, inferential statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relative influence of the
building parameters on the energy consumed in the buildings. Also, regression models within building
parameters were developed independently and in a combination that could be used to estimate energy
consumption in the university buildings.
Findings – Findings suggested that building and indoor environmental parameters of humidity, indoor
temperature, volume, illumination, and window width ratio (WWR), in that order, influenced energy
consumption significantly, and also, had direct empirical relationships.
Practical implications – Optimising the building and indoor environmental parameters in design will
enhance energy-efficiency in university buildings in South Africa.
Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature in terms of understanding the order of influence
of building parameters on energy consumption in university buildings in the temperate climatic zone of South
Africa. It also established empirical models between building and indoor environmental parameters and energy
consumption, both independently and in combination, that could assist in designing energy-efficient and
sustainable university buildings.
