Did you know that there is a worldwide trend towards energy efficient appliances and building materials? And did you know that growing awareness and appreciation of the environment is set to increase the demand for green buildings. Current improvements in design and technology offer new opportunities to be competitive in the domestic and international market. Green buildings generally offer a more comfortable, healthier and cost effective solution for living and working. To go green means to…

Thermal comfort in the built environment is affected by air temperature and air movement. Ventilation, which is simply the removal of stale indoor air from a building and its replacement with fresh outside air, has a great impact on thermal comfort.

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.

The publication will provide text and images on the Urban Development process and serve as a guide for designing new layouts or updating existing ones.