Reducing building electricity use by increasing occupant perceived control

This paper demonstrates the impacts of increasing the perceived level of control that building users have over the energy performance of a building. The study was conducted at the Student Services Building at the University of Reading in 2009 – 2011. Building occupant perceived control was influenced by engaging the user with high resolution building energy data. Increasing this perceived level of control contributed to overall savings in the building of 25% in small electrical items and lighting. The majority of a building’s carbon emissions are a result of operational activity. Further to this, post occupancy evaluations of new buildings regularly demonstrate that operational energy use and carbon emissions are higher than those quoted during design. A key factor in this design-operation performance gap is the actions of building occupants. Often building occupants are not aware of the level of control they have on the energy performance of the building they occupy. Two behavioural models have been developed that include perceived control as a key factor for enabling and motivating environmental behaviour. Ajzen’s 'Theory of Planned Behaviour' and Stern’s 'Value-Belief-Norm' model demonstrate increases in the amount of influence an individual believes they have over the outcome of a situation will increase their action to make that change.