Exploring robustness of energy performance of dwellings to occupant behaviour

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the influence of occupant behaviour on the energy performance of dwellings, before and after renovation process. In this context, ‘ventilation control pattern’, ‘maintenance’, and ‘heating energy demand’ are selected as the key parameters of the study. The aim is to reveal the sensitivity of energy performance of a dwelling to occupant behaviour, considering the pre and post-renovation process. Sensitivity of dwelling energy performance to occupant behaviour is analysed using Monte Carlo method. This method is one of the most commonly used methods to analyse the approximate distribution of possible results on the basis of probabilistic inputs. The inputs are selected as: window and grid operation, and mechanical ventilation set for ventilation control. The data used about occupant behaviour is gathered from OTB Survey [2008]. The Dutch reference building is used as a generic building to test the behavioural patterns. The result shows that a renovated [maintenance] dwelling is more robust to ventilation behaviour of the occupant.