Behavioral energy efficiency with environment sensors: A case in Hong Kong

Abstract

<p>Feedback is one of the most effective behavioral interventions. However, four issues, namely, the complex feedback strategies, the cost inefficiency, the onefold feedback information, and the unclear behavioral change mechanism, impeded the application of feedbacks for energy conservation in residential buildings. This study looked into the counterpart of existing feedback systems, i.e., simple in-home indoor environment quality (IEQ) displays with environment sensors, for a careful introspection on feedback principles. Field tests was carried out with eleven participants in university dorms from June to October 2021 in Hong Kong. In-situ monitoring, interviews and questionnaires were applied to track participants’ energy-saving beliefs, cooling-related behaviors and energy uses over the period. Results showed that simple IEQs display could induce comparable energy savings as sophisticated feedbacks by providing straightforward numerical environment data in a voluntary and user-friendly manner. Also, changes of human beliefs and perceived comfort motivated by IEQs display would help to form a less energy-dependent behavior mode and reduce energy uses in the built environment. The findings enable a better understanding of feedbacks from a methodological perspective and inspire design of behavioral intervention strategies.<br></p>