Habitual window opening behaviour in residential buildings

Abstract

Recent studies indicated that window opening behaviour is related to environmental and contextual factors, as well as to practices of everyday life, such as morning routines and daily activities. To the authors’ knowledge no studies have been conducted that focus on the habitual window opening behaviour in residential buildings. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of the habitual behaviour and to identify the types of window use habits. Additionally, a window use model is created that includes habitual behaviour. Results of the online survey conducted with Belgian households revealed that almost all occupants habitually interact with at least one window. Some household and building characteristics are related to the presence of certain habits. However, this impact is rather small in comparison to the impact of the habits of other rooms. These insights are utilized for the creation of a window use habit model. The model is explained in detail as well as the validation procedure. While further research is necessary regarding the cultural and seasonal dependency of the window use habits, this model is promising as it links the window use to the everyday life, resulting in the prediction of realistic and justifiable window use.