Energy consumption in dwellings - technical and behavioural reasons for variations
Residential energy consumption varies both with the building and its inhabitants. Previous research projects have either focused on technical or on social explanations for variations in energy consumption. The idea of this projekt was to combine technical and social explanations.
It is a fact that energy consumption varies greatly between households regarding heat and electricity. Previous research projects have mainly focused on either technical or behavioural reasons for these variations. This project incorporates technical and behavioural explanations in a study of low-density housing estates in Albertslund Municipality. In spite of their apparent uniformity, as regards building technology and resident composition, the eco-accounts of the Municipality show large variations between housing estates and within the individual housing estate. In the technical analyses of these variations of consumption, theoretical energy consumption is calculated using SBI's computer programs BV98 and TSBI 5. The disparity between the theoretical and the actual energy consumption is explained in terms of behaviour. For this purpose qualitative research interviews will be carried out in selected households. If the reasons for variations within such uniform housing estates could be explained, the results would indicate relevant activities to reduce consumption. On this background the purpose of the project is: 1) to uncover technical and behavioural reasons for significant variations within comparatively uniform housing estates; 2) to study the correlation between technical and behavioural factors; 3) to indicate relevant strategies, including methods, aimed at behaviour and lifestyle to reduce energy consumption
High-density low-rise buildings were studied that showed large differences in energy consumption in spite of similarity in building style. Computer calculations of the heat loose of the buildings were carried out, as well as studies of eco-accounts, questionnaires and interviews with inhabitants. On this basis it is concluded that variations in heat consumption between neighbourhoods primarily are due to differences in building construction. Computer calculations indicate that among the studied neighbourhoods, we should expect 25% less heat consumption in owner-occupied buildings than in rental buildings. Among completely identical buildings in the same neighbourhood we also find variations of 3400% from one household to another, variations that cannot be explained technically. The report further concludes that the behavioural explanations for these variations are to be found in the temperature of the living room, which is shown to correlate with the age of the inhabitants, and in bathing habits, which is shown to correlate with income and education. Regarding electricity consumption it is concluded that the size of the household and the level of income can explain variations in average electricity consumption between neighbourhoods. Differences on household level can be explained by how many appliances the household has and how often they are used, but surprisingly not by the efficiency level of the appliances. This it is not to deny that a household can lower its level of electricity consumption by using more efficient appliances, but such efficiency is not the main explanation why some families have a much lower level of electricity consumption. This indicates to that efficient technologies will not necessarily lead to a lower level of consumption unless it is considered at the same time how new needs and changed use patteres develop. The report furthermore concludes that the attitude of the inhabitants regarding consumption is essential for the level of their energy consumption. However this attitude is far from always based on a positive attitude towards environment
Key figures
Category
Participants
| Partner | Subsidy | Auto financing |
|---|---|---|
| dk-TEKNIK | ||
| ALBERTSLUND KOMMUNE |
Contact
Dr. Neergaards Vej 15
DK-2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
Gram-Hanssen, Kirsten (seniorforsker), 45865533, kgh@sbi.dk
Øvr. Partnere: Albertslund Kommune. Miljøforvaltningen; dk-TEKNIK. Energi og Miljø
