Monitoring building energy consumption, thermal performance, and indoor air quality in a cold climate region

Abstract

Abstract Buildings are major consumers of the world's energy. Optimizing energy consumption of buildings during operation can significantly reduce their impact on the global environment. Monitoring the energy usage and performance is expected to aid in reducing the energy consumption of occupants. In this regard, this paper describes a framework for sensor-based monitoring of energy performance of buildings under occupancy. Different types of sensors are installed at different locations in 12 apartment units in a building in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada to assess occupant energy usage, thermal performance of the building envelope, and indoor air quality (IAQ). The relationship between heating energy consumption and the thermal performance of building envelope and occupant comfort level is investigated by analyzing the monitoring data. The results show that the extent of heat loss, occupant comfort level, and appliance usage patterns have significant impacts on heating energy and electricity consumption. This study also identifies the factors influencing the poor IAQ observed in some case-study units. In the long term, it is expected that the extracted information acquired from the monitoring system can be used to support intelligent decisions to save energy, and can be implemented by the building management system to achieve financial, environmental, and health benefits.