Ashesi University strives to become energy efficient and considers that as it puts up new buildings. As to renovations, Ashesi’s new campus is less than 15 years old, so it may not need to be renovated. It does, however, adequately implement its maintenance policy. In 2019, Ashesi created its Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policy (EE&RE) here, which states on page 2, section 2.2 bullet 2, its process for following energy efficiency standards for new buildings.
An example of the integration of crucial Green Building concepts into Ashesi’s new buildings includes the architectural and engineering design and construction of one of its hostels, Hostel 2D, commissioned in January 2022. The design incorporated green building concepts as a key adaptation response measures to increase the campus resilience to increasing temperature and heat stress as a result of global warming. Some of the specific considerations include:
a. Cross ventilation in the A&E designs with large window openings, which also emphasize natural lighting to reduce dependency on electricity during the day;
b. Eaves and roofs are ventilated to keep the building cooler
c. Overhangs to reduce incidence of direct solar heat transfer onto masonry walls and part of glass windows;
d. Extensive soft landscaping (vegetation) to reduce solar heat transfer and radiation;
e. Increased wall thickness due to natural stone facing will help minimize heat transfer into the building;
f. Use washed pebbles with good insulating properties in various external circulation areas instead of total tile usage.
These considerations are based on the following renewable energy relevant standards:
a. http://www.energycom.gov.gh/files/LI_1815.pdf;
b. http://www.energycom.gov.gh/files/LI1958.pdf;
c. http://www.energycom.gov.gh/files/Energy%20Efficiency%20LI%201932.pdf
