Improving energy efficiency in residential buildings has become a critical priority for reducing oper-ational costs and achieving sustainability targets, particularly in developing countries where energy demand continues to increase. However, selecting a suitable energy management system (EMS) remains challenging due to fragmented decision criteria, limited technical awareness among property stakeholders, and the absence of context-specific evaluation frameworks. The study aims to evaluate the most effective energy management systems for residential buildings in the South African context, as determined by experts. This study adopted a quantitative research method. Quantitative data were collected through a research questionnaire administered to 20 Delphi experts. The received data were analyzed using descriptive methods. The study found that the main suitable energy management systems for residential buildings consist of HVAC control systems, Solar panel systems, Smart plugs and outlets, Energy monitors and meters, Battery energy storage systems (BESS), and building energy management systems (BEMS). The study further found that Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), LED Lighting Systems, Home automation systems (such as smart home hubs), Smart ther-mostats, Smart grid energy management systems (SGEMS), and Load controllers are suitable for energy man-agement in residential buildings. The study focuses solely on residential buildings in South Africa. The findings may not be generalizable to other countries or regions with differing energy policies, climates, or building stand-ards. The practical implications of the study include providing policymakers and developers with validated rec-ommendations for implementing energy management systems that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in residential settings. The value of the paper lies in its contribution towards identifying and advocating for effective energy management solutions tailored to South African residential buildings, thereby promoting sus-tainable energy practices and addressing energy challenges in the region.
This study focused on the seasonal impacts on the suitability of masquerade (Polyalthia longifolia) as a bioindicator of vehicular pollutants. Some leaves of the tree were plucked along the roadside and from a control site with no vehicular emissions. Biochemical parameters, including pH, ascorbic acid content, relative water content, total chlorophyll and air pollution tolerance index (APTI), were determined in both dry and wet seasons using standard methods. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) commonly associated with automobile pollutants (Pb, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe and Cu) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy, after acid digestion. The concentrations of PTEs were slightly higher in leaves from roadside masquerade tree than in those from the control site, except for Cr and Cu at some sampling points during the wet season. The biochemical properties in the roadside samples indicated the presence of pollutants compared to the control site in both seasons. APTI of the roadside samples showed higher sensitivity (mean value = 10.30) in the dry season, indicating a gradual loss in tolerance to pollution; however, a slight increase (mean value = 11.23) in tolerance was observed in the wet season. The masquerade tree demonstrated its sensitivity to vehicular pollution in both seasons. It is more sensitive in the dry season but tends to tolerate pollutants in the wet season by increasing APTI through improved defense mechanisms.
In rural Ghana, reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking contributes to deforestation, harmful indoor air pollution, and rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Despite efforts to introduce clean cooking technologies, adoption remains low due to affordability and cultural mismatches. This exploratory study assessed the effectiveness of a locally produced Cooking Bag, a passive heat-retention device, in reducing biomass fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It also explored household perceptions of the innovation’s usability and potential for adoption. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, a mixed-methods approach was employed in seven rural, energy-poor, firewood-dependent communities in northern Ghana. Cooking experiments compared fuel use for cowpea and rice under traditional methods and with the Cooking Bag. CO₂ reductions were estimated using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission factors. Additionally, semi-structured interviews captured household responses and experiences with the Cooking Bag. The Bag completed off-heat cooking in 49 min for cowpea and 27 min for rice. This corresponds to a 46
