On the use of questionnaire in residential buildings. A review of collected data, methodologies and objectives

Abstract

The paper presents a review of the literature on the use of the questionnaire as a tool for collecting energy data in residential buildings. Numerous studies used the questionnaire to gather necessary information for different purposes. However, even using the same tool, the procedures differ in terms of distribution and compilation, contact with the interviewees and type of proposed questions. One hundred thirty-seven studies were considered in the review, including both scientific articles and surveys reports. The available works were analysed and classified according to the geographical origin, period, sample size, sample structure, data collection methods, response rate, data processing, and objectives of the investigation. In the 80% of the selected studies, the questionnaire is used as unique tool for data collection, albeit cases in which the questionnaire is coupled with other survey techniques, such as field measurements and time use surveys, have also been recorded. The in-person interview is the most common completion option in the sample and it is also the method that produces the highest response rate (77.6%). Generally, the collected data are subjected to statistical processing (over 80% of the cases). Regarding the objective of the surveys, the questionnaire is mainly employed for investigations on energy consumption and occupants’ behaviour, but also other purposes were identified. Overall, the revised sample and the experiences reported are largely varied and heterogeneous. The lack of a homogeneous methodology appears in the use of an extremely diversified terminology. Therefore, the codification of a reference method and the standardisation of the nomenclature would be desirable. It would be useful to define general guidelines to be followed when designing surveys by using questionnaires. The review provides some suggestions and guidance on the use of questionnaire, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and represents a source of information for future researches focused on the energy performance of buildings.