Adoption of Net Zero Energy Building Concepts and Energy Performance in Residential Buildings: A Sustainable Strategy in Affordable Housing Projects in Nairobi, Kenya

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 6

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Abel K. Njogu, Erick K. Ronoh, Kipchumba Cherono

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I6P104

How to Cite?

Abel K. Njogu, Erick K. Ronoh, Kipchumba Cherono, "Adoption of Net Zero Energy Building Concepts and Energy Performance in Residential Buildings: A Sustainable Strategy in Affordable Housing Projects in Nairobi, Kenya," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 6, pp. 41-50, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I6P104

Abstract:

Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) are designed to achieve energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and decarburization, but their adoption in Kenya's affordable housing sector requires addressing local challenges. The study incorporates a privately developed project (Tilisi) and a government-led project (Pangani) to enable a comparative framework for understanding NZE impact of different development models, financing mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks on the adoption and performance of NZEB technologies. A mixed-methods survey research design was utilized, gathering data through questionnaires, interviews, and observations from 120 stakeholders, including residents, architects, engineers, and property managers. The findings indicate a significant lack of awareness regarding NZEB principles, with 95% of respondents unfamiliar with the concept and only 7% implementing NZEB features comprehensively. While all respondents had adopted some form of heating technology, suggesting a basic embrace of energy efficiency in this area, holistic NZEB integration remained minimal. Cooling strategies showed varied uptake, with 59% employing passive techniques, while mechanical cooling adoption was substantially lower. Further, regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between the adoption of "Responsible Heating Controls" and overall NZEB integration (β=0.346,p<0.001). Furthermore, "Controlling Cooling" strategies demonstrated a positive impact on energy performance (β=0.598,p<0.001), whereas "Personal Control over Cooling" did not show a significant effect (p>0.05). The study concludes that despite a foundational acceptance of energy-efficient Heating, substantial barriers such as financial constraints, knowledge gaps, and low awareness impede the widespread adoption of comprehensive NZEB principles.

Keywords:

Energy-efficient technologies, Heating and cooling strategies, Renewable Energy, Sustainable building practices, Sustainable Housing.

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