The monitored performance of four social houses certified to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5

Abstract

This paper presents the energy and water use of 4 social houses certified to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 in Gainsborough, UK. The houses were monitored over 2 years, from July 2012 to September 2014. As the houses have the same construction and energy efficiency characteristics, the study offered a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of occupant behaviour on the dwellings performance. Electricity, gas and water consumptions were measured through data logging and meter readings. Surveys and interviews were conducted throughout to gain insights into tenants understanding and interactions with low energy features in their homes. Significant differences were observed in the amount of energy and water used. The annual space heating consumptions differentiated by a factor of 2.2per square metre of floor area. Hot water heating demands varied by a factor of 3.5per square metre of floor area or by 2.5per person per year. Mains water consumptions varied by a factor of 2.2litres per person per day in 2013.