Trends of Indoor Environment and Energy Consumption Incidence by Human Activities

Abstract

This study has been undertaken as part of the Energy Innovation for Deprived Communities (EIDC) project, which aims to deliver a new approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects within a minimum of ten of the most deprived communities across six Local Authorities within Yorkshire and the Humber region in the UK. The properties will be assessed by energy efficiency experts and then brought up to modern standards with a range of measures including so-called smart electricity meters and heating systems upgrades to boilers, wall and loft insulations, double glazing, insulated cladding and even solar panels where appropriate. It is important for the success of the EIDC project that both detailed monitoring and post occupancy evaluation are performed on a sample of houses before rolling out a wider refurbishment. Energy consumption and indoor environment were analysed based on indoor activity of participants. The results from one dwelling showed that the energy consumption rises in the evening due to the use of cooker to prepare dinner and the use of electric shower. In addition, the temperatures increased in the evening for everyday and remained on that level till late night due the lack of ventilation during the time. Electrical energy consumption was correlated to the indoor environment and indoor air quality. The results showed that electrical energy has a direct proportion to indoor air temperature levels i.e. temperature increases when electrical energy consumption increases.