Energy- and Indoor-Related Information for Office Occupants: What do They Really Want

Abstract

A number of studies have shown that feedback on users’ own energy consumption can be effective in reducing household energy consumption. Almost all the studies on presenting energy feedback relate to in-home displays and domestic environments, only a few concern other contexts. Building automation systems in modern office buildings collect a large amount of energy- and indoor-related measurements. In this study, the primary interest lies in how energy- and indoor-related measurements could be used to increase energy awareness and occupant satisfaction. The purpose of this work is to study the preferences of office occupants and to find out what kind of information they are interested in. A questionnaire was delivered to two buildings in Finland. The total number of respondents was 151. The results show that the respondents were more interested in receiving indoor-related information than energy-related information. They were especially interested in knowing the room temperature in their own office. Almost half of them were not interested in energy-related information since they chose none of the energy-related options. The most effective ways to increase energy conservation in offices are discussed.