Energy-Related Occupant Behaviour and Its Implications in Energy Use: A Chronological Review

Abstract

Abstract:It is essential to understand how significantly occupants' actions impact the performance of a building, as a whole, in terms of energy use. Consequently, this paper reviews the available resources on energy-related occupant behaviour and its implications in energy use in a building. A chronological review on energy-related occupant behaviour and its implications in energy use has been conducted. As a main existing gap, it was identified by researchers the difference between real energy performance and the one that is predicted during the design stage of a building. The energy predicted during the design stage of a building may be over twice the energy used in the operation stage. Buildings are one of the most energy intensive features in a country. They are affected by the interaction and correlation of several different variables, such as: its physical characteristics, technical systems, equipment, occupants, etc. Therefore, buildings are considered to be complex systems that require a careful and intensive analysis. Moreover, one of the key variables impacting real building energy use is occupant behaviour. The way occupants behave and their motivations are some of the main aspects that need to be considered in a building life-cycle.

Energy Consumption Pattern of Residential Buildings: Case Study of Residential Area in Batu Pahat, Johor

“…[7]. One of the most influential contributions to high rates of energy intensity is how occupants use energy [8]. Therefore, occupant behaviour is a significant factor that influences energy consumption in buildings and should be investigated.…”

“…The lowest was in the group above 901 kWh. Energy consumption depends on the type of electrical appliances used by occupants and the occupants' level of awareness about the efficient use of electricity [7], [8].…”

“…In summary, the respondents' behaviour shows that they use electrical appliances to comfort themselves. This type of behaviour contributes to an increase in energy consumption and monthly utility bills [7], [8].…”

Effects of Specific Parameters on Simulations of Energy Use and Air Temperatures in Offices Equipped with Radiant Heating/Cooling Panels

“…Additionally, occupants' activities and other events can influence the indoor temperature, and thus can have an important influence on the operation of heating and cooling systems and consequently the energy use. Actually, one of the most relevant gaps that was identified by researchers was the difference between the real energy performance in a building and the performance predicted at the design stage, which is mainly due to occupant behavior [10]. But, what levels of frequency, intensity and duration for such events are crucial for the system, and should they be included in the model?…”

“…Studies of the impact of real occupant behavior in buildings at the detailed level are scarce. In addition, as Tam [10] found in his review, further analyses of the interactions between technological improvement and behavioral change are needed to influence the energy effect of occupant behavior, to better understand occupant behavior driven by feedback and anticipate actual building performance. Nevertheless, since occupant behavior is unpredictable, a variety of techniques are nowadays used in behavior-related modeling; for instance, agent-based modeling (ABM) and multi-agent systems (MASs), which have a clear record of success, and other predictive techniques, such as fuzzy modeling, neural networks and Markov chains.…”