Domestic energy and occupancy: a novel post-occupancy evaluation study

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to present a robust methodology for quantifying the correlation between domestic energy consumption and occupant behaviour patterns, in response to various technological interventions, by using a test house whose performance and occupants are fully monitored and recorded. The E.ON Research House is one of the seven 'Creative Energy Homes' which are experimental eco houses, designed and constructed to various degrees of innovation and flexibility on the University of Nottingham campus. The E.ON House is a replica of a typical 1930s three-bed semi-detached property, which is representative of many of the existing houses in the UK. The objective of this study is to determine the most efficient way to refurbish it, within 3 years to reach a 'zero- carbon' standard. The house is occupied by a family (father, mother and a daughter) and is fully monitored in order to get real-time occupancy data for energy use, environmental conditions and occupant location. The post-occupancy evaluation study includes environmental monitoring (using a network of temperature, humidity and indoor air quality sensors), electricity (using whole house, circuit and appliance meters), energy associated with space and water heating. The occupancy patterns and space use are analysed using a real-time location system (supplied by UBISENSE) with ultra- wideband radio-frequency technology to track patterns of space usage in the house for time and location. The objective of post-occupancy study is to evaluate the relationships between occupancy and energy usage, as well to diagnose the performance and energy efficiency.