Campus Sustainability Assessment: The Case of University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

Aims: To assess buildings and their subsequent impact on land and energy use to validate campus sustainability.   Study Design:  A survey. Place of Study: Department of Vocational & Technical Education, University of Cape Coast. Methodology: A questionnaire was administered to conveniently select senior members and senior staff of the university. Questions covered issues on land/energy use versus building types. The Land surveyor, Quantity surveyor, Architect, Estate officer, grounds and maintenance representative and 5 other high ranking officials of the university were purposively interviewed to obtain information on indices that dictated siting of buildings on campus. A total of 60 questionnaires were retrieved and 10 in-depth interviews conducted.           Results: Findings showed a 25% land encroachment rate. About 33 buildings have been raised on campus since the year 2000 of which 72% are low rise 1-3 storey and 28% 3-4 storey. Building type was determined by financial factors followed by original university laid down designs and nature of land, and its availability. Horizontal land use was attributed to building especially along the periphery to curb encroachment. Respondents (72%) suggested the construction of more residence halls, libraries and laboratories to meet the needs of increased student populations on campus. Others suggested demolishing some existing structures to make room for high rise buildings. Finally, the officials interviewed stressed the need for government support to help the university erect more appropriate buildings and adopt ways of making activities on campus more sustainable.         Conclusion: Horizontal rather than vertical land use practices and the type of buildings being put up on campus may not be sustainable in the long term. The university needs to take practical steps towards a more sustainable land use policy and planning hopefully with help from government and other stakeholders. Community engagement is highly recommended.