The most significant factor affecting the built environment in the East Africa region is solar energy, which impacts on it throughout the year. The shapes of buildings and spaces have a great effect on indoor temperatures. When designing a new building, it is very important to pay attention to the needs of its users and to consider the environment they are likely to spend most of their time in. The building should be user friendly and comfortable. Factors to consider for adequate indoor comfort…

Climate is described as the average course or condition of the weather at a place usually over a period of years as exhibited by temperature, wind velocity, precipitation and humidity.

Over 70% of the world energy generation is consumed in human settlements, resulting in an emission of more than two thirds of CO2 that contributes to climate change. Widespread energy poverty and the increasing cost of fossil fuels are impacting negatively on the economic development and the living conditions of people.

Principles and applications for the design of sustainable buildings in Eastern Africa.

For cities to confront the challenges of fossil fuel depletion, increasing energy costs and rapid climate change, it is inevitable to develop and implement urban energy management solutions for their sustainable future.

The main purpose of this handbook is to assist people who are working in or with local government to develop sustainable energy and climate action plans and implementation programmes.

In the closing decade of this century, as the world strives for a better quality of life, millions of poor are fighting for life itself.

Forms part of the Centre’s continuing efforts to promote wide dissemination and commercialization of renewable energy technologies.

The bulk of the population in developing countries is poor and survives on non-commercial energy sources such as fuelwood, agricultural residues or animal dung which are the most easily available and can be gathered at almost zero private cost.