ABSTRACT

The study aims to discover the challenges facing the use of Building Performance Simulation (BPS) by architects and what could be done to improve the use of BPS tools by architects in Accra, Ghana to achieve sustainable building design and operation. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to architects based in Accra through email and in person by visits to architectural firms in Accra. 51 respondents participated in the survey. With the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science, 25) and Microsoft Excel, data was analyzed and represented with graphs, tables, charts and frequency tables. In addressing the objectives, it was revealed that architects are using some form of BPS (Building Performance Simulation) but have inadequate skills in the use of BPS tools. The significant challenges in the use of BPS are inadequate academic and professional training and Inadequate knowledge of leveraging BPS tools for sustainable design. The most significant strategy realized from the survey are Integration of BPS into academic curriculum. It was recommended that BPS should be integrated into academic curriculum in architecture schools in Ghana and integrated into CPD courses of the GIA (Ghana Institute of Architects). Also, architects should provide BPS report before given building permit¾Integration of BPS into building code and compliance.

Architectural Design, Building Performance Simulation, Building Performance Simulation Tools, Energy Efficiency, Computer Aided Architectural Design, Continuous Professional Development.