Cities consume significant amounts of energy and contribute substantially to global carbon emissions. However, they also have the potential to mitigate these impacts, as the built environment profoundly influences behaviors and decision-making related to energy use and consumption. Rapidly urbanizing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa face unique challenges, including the prevalence of informal settlements and an energy sector primarily driven by residential consumption, compounded by issues of energy justice. Despite this, these contexts remain largely understudied. This research aims to address this empirical gap while enhancing the theoretical understanding of the relationship between the built environment and energy consumption in African cities. Using Accra, Ghana, as a case study, we employ a mixed-methods approach that includes spatial analysis and a quantitative survey of households. Our expected outcomes are to deepen the understanding of energy consumption within the context of informal settlements and energy justice concerns, ultimately contributing to the development of more equitable and energy-efficient built environments.

Cornell PI: Stephan Schmidt, City and Regional Planning, AAP, Cornell

Ghana PI: Isaac Arthur, Center for Urban Management Studies