Hui (Mia) Ben, Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge Thermal Comfort & Energy Efficiency In UK Homes

Main issues and argument Main issues:  Unrealised energy efficiency potential;  Isolation among end-user, technology and building materials;  Standardised thermal comfort. Argument: Employing a socio-technical approach in home energy retrofit can increase both occupant thermal comfort and energy savings.

Progress Phase 1 – Identifying the gap between heating behaviour and thermal comfort Phase 2 –Testing the relationships among the parameters relating to the gap Phase 3 – Design Strategies & Policy Recommendations

Thermal Comfort Air temperature Mean radiant temperature Relative Humidity Air speed Clothing insulation Metabolic rate What else? Source: Baker and Steemers, 2000  Steady-state approach  Adaptive approach

Socio-technical approach Occupant Activity Composition Technology

Phase 1 – Identifying the gap - thermal comfort & heating behaviour Case studies:  Qualitative interviews;  Data logger monitorings;  Diary log records;  Photo and audio records;  Questionnaires. Data analysis: Interpretive techniques; Inductive approach.

Questionnaire Survey and Interview 14 household in-depth interviews Demographic information House and energy use information Environmental information Comfort perception Comfort/Thermal comfort satisfaction Personal lifestyle and value Ethical Approval Letter

Occupant Warm temperature C No extremes of humidity Quiet neighbourhood Quiet night at home Control; Flexibilty; Choice; Freedom Financial comfort Not too cold; Not too hot Good lighting level Right background sound Good indoor air quality Privacy o Occupant age o Occupation o Salary o Education o Work status o Tenure type o Personal preference

Activity How occupants use their homes Which rooms they use – for what activities How long do they use them; and how long do they heat each room

Composition Couple Family with child (children) Single Single with child (children) Extended family Non-family household

Technology Building physical characteristics Age of dwelling Installation of energy efficient improvement House type Floor area Dwelling orientation Innovative use

Key Areas of Findings Gap between heating behaviour and thermal comfort Provision of heating does not necessarily lead to thermal comfort Link between thermal comfort and home performance

Phase 2 –Testing interrelationships Data collection (Surveys) Statistical analysis (SPSS):  Correlation analysis;  Regression analysis;  factor analysis;  structural equation modeling;  hierarchical linear modeling; Deductive approach.

Data collected Socio-demographic background Building physical characteristics Occupant behaviour characteristics

Note… The analysis is ongoing, and any comments are welcome

Thanks! Questions? Hui (Mia) Ben | Department of Architecture University of Cambridge