The main objective of the study presented was to investigate peoples’ perception of thermal comfort as well as relate
findings from the study to ASHRAE standard 55. Therefore, environmental parameters were recorded and
questionnaires issued on building occupants’ subjective feelings. The analysed data showed that even though a large
majority of the respondents accepted their overall thermal conditions, a number of them still voted far below the
standard set by ASHRAE of 80% for thermal sensation. This suggests a wider thermal comfort range of building
occupants. Besides, all the environmental parameter values (air temperature and relative humidity) exceeded the
stipulated recommendations set by ASHRAE. However, most of the respondents found that the prevailing relative
humidity and air velocity levels were acceptable, although 53% of the respondents preferred to have a greater flow
of air. In addition, it was realized that even if the class on the ground floor experienced lower temperatures, this was
not the same for the class on the first floor. The class experienced higher temperatures as a result of the absence of a
ceiling, a situation which was attributed to lack of funds on the part of the school. The study showed that
respondents in a tropical environment, such as Ghana, may have a higher heat tolerance, since they accept the
thermal conditions which exceed the standard. Future school buildings need to make use of sustainable design
principles (form, orientation, shading, high window to wall ratios, high room heights, mount ceilings, etc.) and make
sure that spaces are installed with low energy consuming fans to promote health and facilitate learning.