CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Impact of Environmental Stress and Energy use Behaviours on Thermal Conflict in Multi-Tenanted Student Housing in Ghana

Williams Miller Appau, Iruka Chijindu Anugwo, Elvis Attakora-Amaniampongah

Keywords: Energy use behaviour, environmental stress, thermal conflict, student housing, energy efficiency

Abstract

Thermal comfort disputes in shared university student housing are a growing concern, as they combine social tensions with environmental challenges. This study aims to assess the drivers and effects of thermal conflicts on energy use. Using Environmental Stress Theory as a framework, the study surveyed 245 undergraduate student housing unit and 723 student participants through structured questionnaires in Upper West Region, Ghana. The study employed binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression to analyse the effects of thermal disputes on energy behaviours. The findings show that for every 1?C difference in temperature preference between roommates, the likelihood of conflict nearly doubles (93% increase). The odds also rise by 57% with each additional roommate. However, strong communication skills were found to ease tensions, reducing the chances of conflict by 42%. Notably, cultural diversity and mixed-gender accommodations added to the complexity, further increasing the likelihood of disagreements. Thermal conflicts had a measurable impact on energy usage. Each increase in conflict intensity was associated with an additional 0.84 kWh of daily energy consumption, a 1.2?C deviation from ideal thermostat settings, and 7.5 extra minutes spent adjusting the temperature. This calls for holistic approaches that address both interpersonal dynamics and energy efficiency to improve overall thermal satisfaction