In the sweltering heat of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a humble building material is making waves in the construction industry. Latscrete, a blend of clay, mud, and cement, is challenging the dominance of traditional sandcrete blocks, offering a promising solution for energy-efficient and thermally comfortable buildings. This shift could significantly impact the energy sector, as buildings account for a substantial portion of energy consumption.
Agha-Ejimole Okereke, a researcher from Abia State University, Nigeria, has been delving into the thermal comfort benefits of latscrete. His study, published in the journal Acta Structilia, which translates to “Acts of Building,” compares the indoor thermal comfort of buildings constructed with stabilised latscrete and sandcrete blocks. The findings could reshape the way buildings are constructed in hot, humid regions like Port Harcourt.
Okereke’s research is timely, as the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings grows. “The choice of material for wall building is influenced by cost, strength, and durability,” Okereke explains. “However, there’s an increasing interest in employing sustainable green architecture and thermally comfortable building materials.”
To evaluate the thermal comfort performance of the two materials, Okereke and his team conducted a series of tests and monitored the indoor temperature and relative humidity of two model buildings over a year. They used the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), Heat Index (HI), and Effective Temperature Index (ETI) to analyze the data and compared the results using the ASHRAE 55-2020 standard scale.
The results were clear: latscrete outperformed sandcrete in terms of thermal comfort. “Latscrete was found to be a better thermal comfort performer than sandcrete,” Okereke states. This finding is significant, as it suggests that latscrete could help reduce the cooling load of buildings, leading to lower energy consumption and costs.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As buildings become more energy-efficient, the demand for cooling could decrease, reducing the strain on power grids and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the use of locally sourced materials like latscrete could stimulate local economies and reduce the environmental impact of transporting construction materials.
Okereke’s research is not just about finding a better building material; it’s about creating a more sustainable future. As the world grapples with climate change, the need for energy-efficient and thermally comfortable buildings has never been greater. Latscrete, with its superior thermal comfort performance, could be a key player in this transition.
The construction industry is taking note. Developers and architects are increasingly looking for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. Latscrete, with its local availability and thermal comfort benefits, fits the bill. As more buildings are constructed with latscrete, the energy sector could see a significant shift.
This research could shape future developments in the field, encouraging more studies on sustainable and energy-efficient building materials. It could also lead to policy changes, with governments incentivizing the use of such materials. As Okereke puts it, “Selecting appropriate wall materials that can be energy efficient and lower cooling load is necessary, since external walls play a significant role in thermal insulation.”
The journey of latscrete from a local building material to a potential game-changer in the energy sector is a testament to the power of research. As more studies like Okereke’s are conducted, the future of construction and energy looks increasingly sustainable and comfortable.