In the sweltering heat of Accra, Ghana, a silent crisis is unfolding in classrooms across the city. As extreme heat events become more frequent in tropical regions, schools are increasingly becoming dangerous environments for students. A groundbreaking study, published in Buildings & Cities, has shed light on the stark realities faced by schoolchildren in these conditions, and the findings could reshape how we think about school infrastructure and energy efficiency in the tropics.
Ebenezer F. Amankwaa, a researcher from the Department of Geography and Resource Development at the University of Ghana, led a team that monitored temperatures in 16 classrooms over 389 days. The results are alarming. Classrooms with metal roofs reached temperatures as high as 39.8°C, a full 5.9°C hotter than the outdoor temperature. “Children in these classrooms are exposed to extremely high temperatures for a significant portion of their school day,” Amankwaa warns. “This poses serious risks to their health and their ability to learn.”
The study found that metal-roofed classrooms were overheated for 72.5% of occupied hours, creating an environment that is not only uncomfortable but potentially hazardous. In contrast, concrete-roofed classrooms were significantly cooler, with temperatures up to 5.8°C lower than their metal-roofed counterparts. These classrooms were, on average, 1.2°C cooler than the outdoor temperature, providing a more bearable learning environment.
But the findings don’t stop at a comparison between metal and concrete roofs. The research also explored the impact of adding a plywood ceiling under a metal roof. The results were striking: this simple intervention halved the number of overheating hours compared to a bare metal roof. “It’s a cost-effective solution that could make a significant difference in the comfort and safety of students,” Amankwaa explains.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As the demand for climate-resilient buildings grows, so too will the need for innovative, heat-resistant materials and designs. This study provides a clear roadmap for policymakers and builders, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize heat-resistant roofing materials in school construction and retrofitting projects.
The findings have already sparked conversations about revising the School Establishment and Inspection Policy and the Ghana Building Code to include climate-resilient design principles. If adopted, these changes could set a precedent for other tropical regions, helping to address United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure quality education in a changing climate.
For the energy sector, this research opens up new avenues for innovation and investment. The development of heat-resistant materials and energy-efficient cooling solutions could become a significant growth area, driven by the need to create safer, more comfortable learning environments. As Amankwaa puts it, “This is not just about building better schools; it’s about building a better future for our children.”
The study, published in Buildings & Cities, which translates to ‘Steden en Gebouwen’ in English, is a call to action for policymakers, builders, and energy providers. It’s a reminder that the fight against climate change is not just about reducing emissions; it’s also about adapting to the changes that are already here. And in the tropics, that means keeping our children safe and comfortable in the classroom.
As the world continues to warm, the lessons learned from this research will become increasingly important. It’s a stark reminder that the buildings we construct today will shape the future of our communities, and the choices we make now will determine the comfort and safety of generations to come.