Impact of Space Utilization on Energy Cost and Energy Performance of a nearly Zero-Emissions Office Building

This study examines the effects of various space utilization strategies on energy usage intensity, heating load, cooling load, and thermal comfort of occupants. The research involves collecting empirical data and conducting simulation-based investigations. The growing global concern for energy consumption and environmental sustainability has resulted in a greater focus on optimizing interior spaces to reduce overall energy demand. The chosen case study for this research was the Norwegian living Lab Zero Emission Building (ZEB Lab) located in Trondheim, Norway.

This study involved the construction and analysis of 10 distinct occupancy schedules, which encompassed a range of flexible arrangements from regular workweeks to substantial remote work configurations. The analysis was conducted using IDA ICE 5.0. The results indicate substantial decreases in energy usage in situations where telecommuting and reduced work schedules are implemented. The remote scenario had a substantial decrease in Energy Use intensity (EUI), achieving a reduction of 46% compared to the base condition.

Similarly, the introduction of flexible scheduling and remote work options led to a decrease in the need for electric heating by as much as 23%. This highlights the potential of techniques that take into account occupancy patterns to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The research provides useful insights into the intricate relationships between flexible configurations and energy efficiency, taking into account various factors such as occupancy schedules and usage patterns. This paper provides a thorough analysis that can offer architects, building managers, and policymakers significant insights. This study adds to the developing subject of sustainable architecture by emphasizing the impact of dynamic occupancy patterns on the energy efficiency of office buildings.