Conference Paper

Proceedings of SimBuild Conference 2024

Impact of Lifestyle Changes and Emerging Workplace Trends on Energy Consumption in a Research Building

Simeon Nyambaka Ingabo, Anh-Vu Le, Non Phichetkunbodee, Christian Kurniawan Bambang, Hoi-Lam Lou, Minh-Duc Le, Orville Wilbert, Ying-Chieh Chan
National Taiwan University, Taiwan

Abstract: Energy consumption in buildings is significantly influenced by lifestyles of occupants. In order to achieve sustainable built environments, it is imperative to examine the energy saving potential of lifestyle changes. However, the behaviors of occupants and energy consumption patterns vary according to building type. Research buildings are mixed-use in nature and occupants often perform computationally demanding tasks that require energy intensive equipment. This study examines the impact of changes in occupants’ lifestyles on energy consumption in a university research building, in light of emerging workplace trends. Occupants were interviewed to determine plug-load ownership and usage schedules, and preferred air conditioning setpoint temperature. Inefficient workspace allocation and computer usage were identified as prime causes of energy wastage in the building. Potential energy-saving lifestyle change scenarios were developed to address these inefficiencies, including use of localized co-working spaces, night-time usage of computers, and increasing air conditioning setpoint temperature. Nighttime computer usage reduced overall energy consumption by 4% and increasing setpoint temperature by up to 6%. Reallocation of office space into localized co-working spaces had the most consequential impact, achieving energy savings of 25%. This highlights the significance of lifestyle changes related to emerging workplace trends towards attainment of energy efficiency targets in buildings.
Keywords: Occupant behavior, Energy consumption, Lifestyle changes, Emerging workplace trends
Pages: 53 - 63
Paper: