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The interaction between building and users in passive and zeroenergy housing and offices

The interaction between building and users in passive and zeroenergy housing and offices Purpose The article's aim is to present user experiences with passive houses and zeroenergy buildings. The focus is on the interaction between the building and the users, specifically on how user interfaces, knowledge, and commitment influence the use of the building and the level of energy consumption awareness.Designmethodologyapproach The study follows an explorative grounded theory approach. This approach generates insights that will be consolidated in followup studies. Qualitative interviews with users of six buildings were conducted. Site inspections applying walkthrough method and other available information complement the data.Findings Users in general were satisfied with having a new energy efficient building. Several respondents were more concerned about the environment now than before. However, there were concerns about thermal comfort. Misuse or misunderstandings among users in some cases led to lower indoor comfort. New or dissatisfactory design solutions were also responsible for unsatisfactory indoor environmental quality.Practical implications Specific topics that should be paid more attention to in the design and research on new energy efficient buildings level of enduser control and adaptability of the building level of complexity of systems the need for adequate information.Originalityvalue The open approach enabled occupants to influence the parameters of the evaluations. Most evaluations of zeroenergy buildings are not yet publicly accessible. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Smart and Sustainable Built Environment Market Emerald Publishing

The interaction between building and users in passive and zeroenergy housing and offices

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References (31)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © Emerald Group Publishing Limited
ISSN
2046-6099
DOI
10.1108/20466091311325845
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Purpose The article's aim is to present user experiences with passive houses and zeroenergy buildings. The focus is on the interaction between the building and the users, specifically on how user interfaces, knowledge, and commitment influence the use of the building and the level of energy consumption awareness.Designmethodologyapproach The study follows an explorative grounded theory approach. This approach generates insights that will be consolidated in followup studies. Qualitative interviews with users of six buildings were conducted. Site inspections applying walkthrough method and other available information complement the data.Findings Users in general were satisfied with having a new energy efficient building. Several respondents were more concerned about the environment now than before. However, there were concerns about thermal comfort. Misuse or misunderstandings among users in some cases led to lower indoor comfort. New or dissatisfactory design solutions were also responsible for unsatisfactory indoor environmental quality.Practical implications Specific topics that should be paid more attention to in the design and research on new energy efficient buildings level of enduser control and adaptability of the building level of complexity of systems the need for adequate information.Originalityvalue The open approach enabled occupants to influence the parameters of the evaluations. Most evaluations of zeroenergy buildings are not yet publicly accessible.

Journal

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment Market – Emerald Publishing

Published: May 24, 2013

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