Indoor comfort management and energy consumption in Arctic buildings: Occupant perceptions in an indigenous community of Canada

Abstract

Arctic and subarctic communities currently face major and unique energy and housing challenges. However, the perceptions, needs, and adaptive strategies of occupants related to energy consumption and comfort in their dwellings are not well known. In this study, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Inuit community of Quaqtaq (Nunavik, Quebec, Canada) to investigate occupants’ experiences, observations, and perceptions on these topics. The topics covered comfort, window opening, use of curtains, and usage of thermostats, water, and lighting. Furthermore, awareness of energy consumption and renewable technologies was investigated, and occupants shared their vision of the ideal home. It was found that windows and thermostats are often used simultaneously to regulate temperature and that non-uniform temperature distribution and cold floors were often noted by occupants. Due to the limited amount of water available, coordination with neighbors was needed for activities requiring water. Awareness and interest in energy savings and renewable energy varied significantly among participants. Participants mentioned that their ideal home would have better insulation, larger water tanks, and more storage space. These results help to understand occupant behavior, energy consumption patterns, and well-being in houses of northern communities and can guide the development of future housing units.