Encouraging optimal occupant behaviours through a real-time measuring and messaging system

Changing to a net-zero paradigm is not simply a matter of disconnecting from the traditional electric grid and connecting to a renewable system. To tackle the urgency of climate change and meet net-zero zero emissions targets by 2050, it is important to have the collaboration and cooperation among different societal actors. Building occupants play a crucial role. Occupants and their behaviours are well known for impacting significantly the energy performance in buildings. Given the complexity of these behaviours and various factors influencing them, it is essential to research reliable and impactful solutions.

This research aims to explore the effectiveness of different message types delivered to occupants in an actual building. The selected building for this study is the Western Sydney University Sciences Building, certified as 6-star by the Australian Green Star rating system. Over a 12-week period, occupants received easy-to-apply energy efficiency solutions by email. The weekly impact on the total building energy performance were measured and sent along with new easy-to-apply solutions in the following week. The messages were customised based on the actual energy usage in the building. To assess the effectiveness of this study, occupants were asked to complete initial and final surveys. The results will be analysed and treated statistically. At the end of the 12-week period, the main conclusions were presented to the occupants who participated in this study and their feedback and perception was collected. This research impacted occupant behaviour. The system raised awareness not only in work environments but also the occupant’s home buildings, transferring knowledge from workplace to home.