INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS THROUGH NATURAL VENTILATION.

Abstract

Significant rises in energy prices have focused the attention of policy makers on how to manage and reduce their energy consumption. The imperative of reducing emission of greenhouse gases and in particular carbon IV oxide (CO2), caused by burning of fossil fuels has stimulated interest in the design of low energy buildings (Lomas, 2006). Small changes can make a big difference as solutions are not, in many instances, capital intensive, long term or technologically advanced. The potential savings are however real, achievable and significant. Estimations show that most organizations can improve energy efficiency by between 10 and 20% which impacts positively and immediately on bottom line. (Environmental Management Guidelines for Small Businesses,