Users' Impact on Buildings' Energy Performance Gap

Prior to implementation of new building (or building retrofit) projects, buildings' future energy demand is regularly predicted for certification or optimisation purposes. However, there is often a deviation between the projected and actual energy use during buildings' operation. A number of different factors can contribute to this mismatch that is typically referred to as energy performance gap (EPG). These could be due to uncertainties regarding weather conditions, buildings' systems, construction, and geometry. Specifically, issues regarding occupants' behaviour and related control actions have recently been suggested to be a major cause for the EPG. However, evidence for such a claim is not conclusive. In this context, this contribution explores the impact of occupants' control-oriented behaviour (e.g., interactions with buildings' control components and systems, such as opening or closing windows or adjusting thermostats) on buildings' energy performance. The present contribution entails critical reflections on these issues. Moreover, strategies are discussed that could balance occupants' control opportunities and energy efficiency targets.