Harnessing Natural Ventilation and Passive Design for Energy Efficiency of Tropical Buildings: A Sustainable Approach to Thermal Comfort in FCT Abuja

This study examined the role of natural ventilation and passive design strategies in enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort in tropical buildings, with specific reference to Abuja. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, utilizing primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 384 respondents, out of which 362 valid responses were analyzed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that natural ventilation, passive design strategies, building orientation, and shading mechanisms all have significant positive effects on thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings. Specifically, natural ventilation emerged as the most influential factor, highlighting its critical role in reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. However, the study also found that the adoption of passive design strategies in the study area remains moderate, indicating a gap between awareness and practical implementation. The study concluded that integrating climate-responsive design principles into building practices can significantly improve indoor environmental quality while promoting sustainability. It therefore recommended stricter enforcement of building regulations, increased awareness among stakeholders, and the incorporation of passive design strategies at the early stages of building development.