Real-Time Feedback and Sustainable Energy Use among Commercial Buildings in Ghana

South Africa 2,3 Department of Real Estate, University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana. IrukaA@dut.ac.za Amid growing concerns about climate change, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality (IEQ), real- time feedback systems have emerged to control sustainable energy consumption behaviours in commercial buildings. However, there remain an empirical gap to assess how behavioural feedback mechanisms perform in shopping malls in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, the study assessed the interactive effects of digital displays on shopper’s energy-conscious choices without sacrificing their thermal comfort. Based on survey of 1,750 shoppers across two major shopping malls Ghana: Accra and Kumasi, fixed effect regression model was adopted to determine behavioural changes, comfort levels, and energy performance metrics by zone. The findings showed that the digital feedback systems led to immediate positive behaviours, such as shorter stays in energy-intensive zones and more time spent in naturally ventilated areas (0.075, p = 0.045). Energy use ranged from 1.45 to 4.95 kWh, high traffic footfall (0.045, p = 0.017), stemming from differences in cooling demands, lighting setups, and equipment use. However, the study cautions against over- reliance on novelty. User engagement with digital systems must be supported with co-designing feedback systems with shoppers to improve usability and adaptability of energy systems in shopping malls. Artificial Intelligence in Smart Urban Planning: Bibliometric Insights for Ghana’s