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Occupants affecting efficiency

Mitch_Costa | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Not a question, just a link to an article the GBA advisors should find interesting about the importance of occupant behavior in building efficiency: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/things-people-do-foil-energy-saving-buildings-180967324/

Mitch Costa

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Replies

  1. ethan_TFGStudio | | #1

    Mitchell - it is funny that you posted this article, since I just linked to an article at Mr Money Mustache about saving money (and energy) by doing less laundry. I think there could be an equal and opposite article as a counterpoint to this Smithsonian article which would be about people in inefficient buildings with inefficient appliances saving energy by modifying behavior (making due with lower heat setpoints, wearing sweaters, etc. I worked in a LEED Platinum office building where the entire HR department installed electric heaters under their desks in protest. Behavior modification only works if there is buy-in from the occupants - or if it is occupant-led.

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Mitchell and Ethan,
    Building scientists have been cursing occupants for decades. They always say the same thing: "If it wasn't for the freaking occupants, we could build and operate some very energy-efficient buildings."

    More here: Occupant Behavior Makes a Difference.

  3. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #3

    Good points - and true in a lot of other endeavours. I do a lot of work for a nearby resort, and have come to the conclusion that the ideal resort has no guests.

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