Unraveling the energy performance gap: Understanding user-related factors affecting lighting energy consumption in office buildings

The main cause of energy performance gaps is occupancy behaviour, which is difficult to predict. A breakdown of the defining characteristics, their weighting and range can help to counteract performance deficits. The effects of user-related influences on energy efficiency were analyzed using high-performance computing and probabilistic methods.

This was based on high-resolution measurement data from an open-plan office, collected over the course of a year. The results show that both individual behaviour and the seating position have a significant influence on energy consumption. The findings help to improve simulations and plan more energy-efficient buildings.