Formulas used in the calculation of cooling loads and indoor temperatures are employed to demonstrate the influence of various building parameters--such as thermal transmittance (U-value), solar absorptivity, and thermal storage--on the indoor thermal environment. The analysis leads to guidance on ways of limiting temperatures in naturally ventilated buildings, particularly those in warm climates. An appendix gives the stages of the procedure for calculation of indoor temperature. Data sheets are provided to facilitate the calculation, those of solar intensity and outdoor air temperature being tentatively offered for both equatorial (humid) and tropical (arid) West African climates. (Author)