Fit-for-Purpose Occupant Modeling: Choosing the Right Approach

In the previous chapter, different aspects of occupant presence and behavior were discussed along with various existing approaches to modeling occupant behavior and their applications in building performance simulation. In this chapter, we guide the reader in choosing the appropriate occupant modeling approaches for practical application in simulation projects. First, the chapter briefly discusses how choosing a modeling approach occurs today in the design workflow and the requirements for the correct use of models. Next, the concept of fit-for-purpose occupant behavior modeling (FFP-OBm) is explained in a high-level manner, and then it offers practical guidance to building performance simulation users on choosing occupant behavior models. Finally, the chapter presents a vision for the future of occupant behavior modeling, as well as existing barriers to widespread adoption of the fit-for-purpose approach in practice and suggestions to overcome them.