Home Energy Efficiency Research Articles

Determinants of manual window control for natural ventilation in homes

Understanding energy-related occupant behavior can improve the energy efficiency of homes. Natural ventilation is one of the energy-related complex occupant behavior which influences both the thermal environment and indoor pollutants levels. The objective of the present study is to find determinant parameters of occupant behavior related to the manual control of windows for natural ventilation in homes. The field monitoring was carried out in thirteen sample homes from December 7, 2017, to December 31, 2022. The importance of twenty outdoor and indoor physical parameters was calculated by the Random Forest algorithm from the data set of the sample homes. The importance of the parameters changed from sample home to sample home and from season to season. And there was also a clear difference between the driving parameters for opening and closing windows in the sample homes. The Random Forest algorithm predicted both window opening and closing behavior with high accuracy when the outdoor and indoor seven parameters were applied. The results of the present study could be applied to develop occupant behavior models that can be implemented in energy simulation tools.

Research trends on development of energy efficiency and renewable energy in households: A bibliometric analysis

Households are responsible for more than one-third of global energy consumption and exert a significant environmental impact. Therefore, energy efficiency and renewable energy issues have been a top theme in the literature, with numerous studies examining different facets of residential power consumption, green energy transition, decarbonization, and energy conservation. Despite extensive attention, these research trends and frontiers remain largely uncharacterized and poorly understood. This study aims to provide clear insights into the evolution and latest trends of household energy efficiency and renewable energy studies, reveal significant contributing countries, institutions, and authors of published papers, as well as directions of international collaboration. The method of bibliometric analysis with two supporting instruments (the SciVal platform and Scopus “Analyze search results” tool) was used to investigate an array of 3,761 research items on renewable energy and 4,474 items on energy efficiency in homes formed from the Scopus database. The studied period includes papers published during 1978–2023. The systematic review indicated that the United States, the United Kingdom, and China are primarily contributing countries with strong international collaboration in this field. The top journals include Energy Policy, Energy Efficiency, Energies, and Sustainability, while highly cited researchers investigate environmental, economic, and social effects and management mechanisms for introducing innovative energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies in households like smart meters and grids or the Internet of Things. The research frontier might encompass emerging and pioneering studies on home decarbonization strategies, behavioral interventions, energy saving, prosumerism, and optimization of energy consumption. AcknowledgmentThe paper is prepared within the framework of the research project “Formation of economic mechanisms to increase energy efficiency and provide sustainable development of renewable energy in Ukraine’s households” (No. 0122U001233), funded by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine.

Understanding heterogeneous consumer preferences for residential zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) in South Korea: A latent class approach

The development of energy-efficient buildings has been deemed a critical component in accomplishing reduction targets and making cities more sustainable. Hence, governments of highly developed countries with large urban populations have set policy targets and introduce incentive schemes to expand the supply of the green buildings, which are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient over their entire lifecycle. However, the low return on investment, lack of awareness, and insufficient information and incentives have hindered the adoption of zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) in the Korean housing sector. This study aimed to examine the public's heterogeneous preference structure towards residential ZEBs to identify marketing and policy implications for promoting demand. The findings showed that cost-related factors were the most significant elements affecting public acceptance of ZEBs in Korea. Additionally, the study simulated the acceptance of ZEBs as a function of subsidy levels and found that consumers are willing to pay a premium for more energy-efficient homes with greater environmental contributions and that provide long-term benefits in overall housing expenses. In all, it is recommended for the government to identify suitable regions for the implementation of ZEBs based on regional characteristics and to implement a subsidy program to achieve the goal of expanding environmentally sustainable homes.

Optimizing Presence Sensing Lighting for Energy Efficiency and User Behavioral Needs in Small Swedish Homes

ABSTRACT A hybrid workstyle is becoming more common post-COVID-19, and longer occupancy hours at home are increasing household electricity consumption. Small homes are regarded as a potential for improving energy efficiency in the residential sector, and a home consists of mixed-function spaces with dynamic occupancy behaviors. These underpin the opportunity to optimize presence sensing lighting in small homes for energy efficiency and user-behavioral needs. A comprehensive overview of presence sensing approaches, comparing four types of non-wearable sensors connected to home lighting is made. A bibliometric mapping of the reviewed literature visually reinforces a significant research gap that presence sensing studies were not connected to home lighting but inclined toward the commercial and institutional context. Next, a non-exhaustive example of commercially available presence sensing products applicable to residential lighting for small homes is analyzed, and their general characteristics and technologies are synthesized. The literature and product overview identified five significant product knowledge gaps. Incorporating the gathered information leads to the proposal of a conceptual flexible radar-based sensor (prototype design), addressing a wish list with three important criteria to optimize future presence sensing lighting in a mixed-function small home. Future radar sensing studies are expected to develop an anticipatory lighting system that processes real-time multi-user vital signals for smarter localized and personalized lighting options for (small) living environments.

Health gains from home energy efficiency measures: The missing evidence in the UK net-zero policy debate

ObjectivesThis study examined the health gains from a programme of external wall insulation works to homes in south-west Scotland, and in particular the impact upon hospitalisations for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, to consider how evidence on health outcomes could form part of the debate around actions to meet net-zero goals in the UK. Study designThis was a two-part study. Part one involved before-and-after interviews with 229 recipient households. The second part comprised an observational study of hospital admissions in 184 postcode areas. MethodsAcross three years, interviews collected thermal comfort and self-reported health data(Sf-36) in the winter months prior to installation, and again in follow-up interviews the next winter. Standarised monthly data on non-elective admissions for each set of conditions were compared between the intervention postcodes and the wider health board area over a ten year period. ResultsFollowing receipt of wall insulation, inability to achieve thermal comfort in winter reduced by two-thirds. Improvements in thermal comfort were associated with gains in physical health scores. Relative standardised admissions fell in the treatment areas, remaining lower than the district-wide standardised rate for the majority of a five year period, this effect ending during the Covid-19 pandemic. The impact on admissions was greater for respiratory conditions than for cardiovascular conditions. ConclusionA weak policy commitment to energy efficiency could be strengthened with further evidence of the cost-savings and reduced hospital bed demand resulting from insulations works. The potential health gain may also encourage more home owners to participate.

Enhancing smart home energy efficiency through accurate load prediction using deep convolutional neural networks

Enhancing smart home energy efficiency through accurate load prediction using deep convolutional neural networks

Why energy-efficient behaviors are delayed? Exploring the moderating role of procrastination in green ticks experiment probing household refrigerator upgrading

Information and behavioral biases will affect consumers' intertemporal decisions on investment in energy-efficient products. This study aims to discover the moderating effect of irrational procrastination, as a key behavioral bias, on consumers' delayed decision on upgrades to energy-efficient appliances and to explore possible interventions to address the delays caused by procrastination. In this regard, a field survey was carried out among 153 households in Singapore using a structured questionnaire about their awareness of green ticks, procrastinatory behaviors, intention of delaying refrigerator upgrade, as well as the demographic variables. The results show that green ticks alone have negligible influence on upgrades to energy-efficient appliances. With green ticks taken into consideration, consumers less procrastinating are more likely to avoid such delays in refrigerator upgrade, which can be seen in the lower hyperbolic discount rate. Furthermore, the strategy of presenting information about the costs of delayed purchase will mitigate the behavioral deviation born of procrastination. Quantitative findings of the study have several policy implications regarding intervention measures to push consumers to purchase energy-efficient home appliances earlier, such as adding the costs of delayed purchase to energy labels, emphasizing the huge impact of procrastination on energy saving, and popularizing energy-efficient appliances in high-income groups.

Bio-Inspired Architecture for Energy-Efficient Homes: Blending Nature and Innovation

Bio-inspired architecture synthesizes innovative design principles and natural elements, paving the way for a sustainable and interconnected future. It requires interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, scientists, engineers, and economists to advance innovation. Establishing robust research frameworks is crucial for enhancing the precision and effectiveness of bio-inspired designs. Public awareness campaigns, policy incentives, and educational initiatives are essential for societal transformation and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Governments and organizations can promote the integration of bio-inspired concepts into conventional architectural practices through incentives, grants, and certifications. This collaborative effort can promote energy-efficient and biophilic designs, advancing societal well-being and environmental stewardship. Bio-inspired architecture goes beyond conventional construction practices, representing a philosophy that values nature's wisdom and envisions a state of balanced cohabitation. The journey towards energy-efficient, well-being-promoting, and economically accessible homes is continuous, offering a future where architecture promotes healing, sustainability, and inspiration.

A Sustainable Pattern of Waste Management and Energy Efficiency in Smart Homes Using the Internet of Things (IoT)

Nowadays, environmental protection involves many issues and problems, among which the waste generated by various human activities makes up a significant share, which is becoming newer day by day. Moreover, the production of normal, industrial, special, hospital, and agricultural waste and improper management of these materials has created many health, safety, and environmental problems. Based on this approach, this research study aims to determine the model of waste management and energy efficiency in smart homes using the Internet of Things (IoT). The research method used by this study is estimative-computational. For this purpose, the required data were collected using a computational approach. For this purpose, the required views and data were collected through experts in this field and calculated in MATLAB and STATA software. The data analysis tool was represented by fuzzy calculations and for this purpose MATLAB software was used. The study revealed that energy costs in smart homes using the IoT technology are impressive. The number of home residents in smart homes using the IoT is impressive. Home area in smart homes using the innovative technology of IoT is also impressive.

Exploring Consumers’ Purchase Intention on Energy-Efficient Home Appliances: Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior, Perceived Value Theory, and Environmental Awareness

Extensive energy consumption has incurred global environmental problems such as climate change. Home appliances are highly used products and consume large amounts of energy. When widely applied, energy-efficient home appliances promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, people’s intention to purchase these home appliances merits research attention. In this study, a comprehensive model was developed using the theories of planned behavior, perceived value, and environmental awareness. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, to which 448 valid responses were returned, and analyzed using partial least squares. The results indicated that consumers’ intention to purchase energy-efficient home appliances was positively affected by their attitude toward purchasing the appliances. Such attitude was significantly and positively affected by functional value, price value, environmental value, and environmental awareness. However, consumers’ attitudes toward purchasing these appliances were not significantly affected by emotional value or social value. Suggestions were proposed on promoting consumer intention to purchase these home appliances according to the research results.

Rethinking decision‐making about home improvements

Rethinking decision‐making about home improvements

Development of a benchmark tool for whole of home energy rating for Australian new housing

In 2019 Energy Ministers agreed the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (the Trajectory). One of the key aspects in the Trajectory for residential buildings is to expand Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to offer nationally accredited whole-of-home (WoH) tools to enable compliance requirements in the National Construction Code. CSIRO was commissioned by the NatHERS Administrator to develop a benchmark WoH tool. For this purpose the WoH tool was developed by implementing new modules for space heating and cooling, water heating, lighting, swimming pool, other appliances, solar PV and battery into the modified version of AusZEH design tool. The initial version of the tool was released in December 2019 for evaluation. With the extensive input from the NatHERS Technical Advisory Committee and other industry experts, the WoH tool was recently updated with calculations of hourly energy consumption over a period of one year and energy value and rating.

Public support for decarbonisation policies: Between self-interest and social need for alleviating energy and transport poverty in the United Kingdom

Policies for transitions to decarbonised energy and transport systems have implications for social welfare. Here we firstly investigate, via focus groups, public support for policies that have implications for energy and transport poverty in a country with a sizeable incidence of both, the United Kingdom (UK). We then examine which of the publics’ policy preferences concur with those of a wider group of expert stakeholders (n = 47), observing concurrence in the top choices of both for: (i) better public transport; mandating improved energy efficiency in (ii) rental housing and (iii) new homes; and (iv) expanding an income supplement scheme (such as the Warm Home Discount). While the public are relatively supportive of policy for electric vehicles, expert stakeholders see the shift to convergent electrification and digitalisation in domestic contexts as carrying risks for lower income households and those less digitally literate. We highlight that many of the public questioned view themselves as likely to be worthy of assistance, given the level of price inflation in the UK. We conclude that decarbonisation policies require careful attention not only to infrastructure, but to social welfare policy if they are to carry public support.

Impact of cultural behaviour on indoor comfort: Examining the air quality in Homes and exploring observational and experimental methods of representation through filmmaking

There is a limited understanding of householders’ cultural differences and their impact on spatial organisation and energy behaviour in dwellings. Indoor air quality directly impacts the health and well-being of occupants. The airborne COVID-19 epidemic has highlighted shortcomings of controlled ventilation systems in recent reports (PHE, Dec 2020). While efficiency interventions can make homes more affordable to heat, they can exacerbate conditions such as asthma, due to reduced indoor air quality and ventilation. Preliminary research conducted in Plymouth by the applicant indicates that British Asians use their homes differently compared to native British in terms of spatial organisation, cooking habits (on average, they spend five times more time cooking the daily meal) and ventilation strategies, all of which have an impact on indoor air quality. This project sets out to establish the impact of culturally informed choices on indoor air quality and the extent to which the norms that guide the design of energy-efficient homes ignore potentially significant cultural and behavioural differences. It will achieve this by focusing on the impact of energy behaviour and choices related to cooking on the indoor air quality of British-Asian households. The project aims to quantify temperature, humidity and air quality by data collected by a pilot study in Plymouth, UK. We will engage the community in a participatory methodology using correlational research and survey questionnaires and IAQ Data Loggers to evidence anomalies from the design norms currently used in the UK. In addition to traditional data analysis, our methodology includes artistic research, utilising observational and sensory ethnographic filmmaking techniques, to support, document, and evidence the impact of cooking in the home. We aim to explore how the intersection between these two methods can reveal and communicate new perspectives. The main outcome is to evaluate the impact of cultural behaviour on the air quality of super-insulated British-Asian homes through an interdisciplinary methodology. This project lays foundations for larger-scale research working with diverse ethnic minority communities to promote engagement in a low-carbon society.

Urbanization and health impacts of air pollution in Ukraine: threats and opportunities

The aim to conduct a content analysis of studies on the impacts of air pollution on the urban residents’ health in the world and Ukraine, to show the relationship between urbanization and the selected environmental risk factor, to assess its contribution to the global disease burden for Ukraine minimizing harmful effects.Material and methods: Content analysis of research on the air pollution exposure on the urban residents’ health in the world and Ukraine was used. The Data Visualizations / Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) hub data was used to study the contribution to the global burden of disease. GBD 2019 Cause and Risk Summary.Results: At present, changes in thinking and a synergistic approach are needed to fulfill all the goals of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, approved, agreed and set by governments around the world, including Ukraine. Important Global Task 3.9 "Significantly reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and poisoning", was not chosen by Ukraine due to a lack of reliable indicators with a proven cause-and-effect relationship with the environmental factor that caused this disorder. Reducing the level of air pollution can significantly reduce the burden of diseases, primarily those caused by heart disease and stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma.Conclusions: Policies that encourage investment in cleaner transport, energyefficient homes, electricity generation, industry and better household waste management can reduce key sources of air pollution.

Introduction

Introduction

Reducing energy poverty in deprived regions or supporting new developments in metropolitan suburbs? Regional differences in the use of subsidies for home energy efficiency renovations

This paper contributes to existing research on home energy efficiency renovations by analysing the extent to which regional differences in the distribution of subsidies for renovations are related to geographical and socioeconomic factors, by analysing statistical data for districts in the Czech Republic. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that it maps and analyses not only regional differences in the rate of drawing subsidies and its determinants, but also differences in the way these subsidies are used (whether for reducing the energy intensity of existing houses by insulation, implementing renewable energy technologies or building new houses with low energy intensity). The analysis revealed significant correlations between the amount of subsidies drawn in districts per capita and variables which indicate territorial stability and social capital. There are significant differences in the rate of drawing subsidies between specific regions that are considered as economically deprived and where people are at higher risk of energy poverty. While border regions in the east of the country show an above-average use of funds for insulation of existing houses, in the largest cities and their suburban areas people are more likely to use subsidies for construction of new houses. The results indicate that subsides should be redistributed and targeted more effectively in respect to the declared objectives of the program.

Deep Learning for an Innovative Photo Energy Model to Estimate the Energy Distribution in Smart Apartments

The outer surface of the building is the same size as its premises, with greater heat loss. Therefore, when building, renovating, or expanding apartment, if possible, avoid all kinds of spaces, ledges, and lodges in the walls. It makes sense to build unheated exterior buildings on the north side of the apartment. The storage rooms for garden tools and bicycles, technical buildings protect the warm part of the house from wind and cold. In the most common design of a private apartment, the energy consumption for heating is 110-130 kW per 1 m2 per year. In this paper, an energy distribution model was proposed to estimate the photo energy with the help of deep learning model. A small apartment not only uses less energy but also requires lower construction costs. An energy-efficient apartment is a building with a low-energy consumption and comfortable microclimate. Energy savings in such homes can be up to 90%. Annual heat demand can be less than 15 kWh per square meter of energy-efficient home.

Systems of social practice and automation in an energy efficient home

The development of residential automation and energy management systems have aimed to achieve energy reduction within the home. These systems have been developed to compliment human behaviour and potentially impart change in the way people consume energy. The development of energy efficient buildings has been considered a sustainable approach to better manage or optimise energy consumption and generation within a building however, multiple studies have demonstrated some limitations to these buildings and systems. The advancement of the home system of practice using the basis of Social Practice Theory has demonstrated a new focus for the design methodology of these systems. The home system of practice outlines the routines and repetitive nature of individual lifestyles, and these routines result in the temporal characteristic of energy consumption. This study monitored an Australian home that consisted of renewable energy systems, smart technology and automated systems designed to reduce the use of grid electricity. The aim was to understand the performance of the automation systems and interaction with the occupants and their routines. The paper discusses the effectiveness of incorporating social theories and the home system of practice into the design of energy efficient buildings and energy management systems. The methodology utilised machine learning techniques to identify patterns in energy consumption data and related these patterns to the routines and lifestyles of the home occupants. These patterns aimed to describe why the automation system incorporated into the study home did not operate as intended and how design changes can increase effectiveness and performance.

Understanding energy-efficiency choices through consumption values: the central role of consumer's attention and trust in environmental claims

PurposeThis study examines how consumption values influence consumers' purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances in South Africa, an emerging market. The study further investigates the mediating role of consumers' attention to energy-efficient labels affixed on home appliances while making a purchase decision and the moderating effect of consumer trust in the environmental claims.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach, this study relied on self-administered questionnaires to collect data from 505 household representatives in South Africa's Gauteng Province. The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested using structural equation modelling, moderation and mediation analyses.FindingsThe results revealed that economic, emotional and social values can only influence consumers' intention to purchase energy-efficient appliances if consumers pay attention to the energy-efficiency label affixed on the appliance. Functional value, however, has a significant direct impact on purchase intention. Moreover, the results indicate that trust in energy-efficiency labels strengthens the effect of functional and emotional values on consumers' attention to energy-efficiency labels.Originality/valueFindings of this study highlight the importance of capturing the attention of consumers to energy-efficiency labels during the buying process as well as increasing their trust in those labels. Results indicate that consumers are more attracted to the functional and social values that energy-efficient appliances provide. This study is of particular interest to policymakers, retailers and manufacturers, as it sheds light on key strategies to implement to effectively promote the purchase of energy-efficient household appliances in South Africa.