@article {30482, title = {IEA EBC Annex 66: Definition and simulation of occupant behavior in buildings}, journal = {Energy and Building}, volume = {156}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

More than 30\% of the total primary energy in the world is consumed in buildings. It is crucial to reduce building energy consumption in order to preserve energy resources and mitigate global climate change. Building performance simulations have been widely used for the estimation and optimization of building performance, providing reference values for the assessment of building energy consumption and the effects of energy-saving technologies. Among the various factors influencing building energy consumption, occupant behavior has drawn increasing attention. Occupant behavior includes occupant presence, movement, and interaction with building energy devices and systems. However, there are gaps in occupant behavior modeling as different energy modelers have employed varied data and tools to simulate occupant behavior, therefore producing different and incomparable results. Aiming to address these gaps, the International Energy Agency (IEA) Energy in Buildings and Community (EBC) Programme Annex 66 has established a scientific methodological framework for occupant behavior research, including data collection, behavior model representation, modeling and evaluation approaches, and the integration of behavior modeling tools with building performance simulation programs. Annex 66 also includes case studies and application guidelines to assist in building design, operation, and policymaking, using interdisciplinary approaches to reduce energy use in buildings and improve occupant comfort and productivity. This paper highlights the key research issues, methods, and outcomes pertaining to Annex 66, and offers perspectives on future research needs to integrate occupant behavior with the building life cycle.

}, keywords = {building performance, energy modeling, energy use, IEA EBC Annex 66, Interdisciplinary approach, occupant behavior}, doi = {10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.09.084}, author = {Da Yan and Tianzhen Hong and Bing Dong and Ardeshir Mahdavi and Simona D{\textquoteright}Oca and Isabella Gaetani and Xiaohang Feng} } @article {30030, title = {A Preliminary Investigation of Water Usage Behavior in Single-Family Homes}, year = {2017}, abstract = {

As regional drought conditions continue deteriorating around the world, residential water use has been brought into the built environment spotlight. Nevertheless, the understanding of water use behavior in residential buildings is still limited. This paper presents data analytics and results from monitoring data of daily water use (DWU) in 50 single-family homes in Texas, USA. The results show the typical frequency distribution curve of the DWU per household and indicate personal income, education level and energy use of appliances all have statistically significant effects on the DWU per capita. Analysis of the water-intensive use demonstrates the residents tend to use more water in post-vacation days. These results help generate awareness of water use behavior in homes. Ultimately, this research could support policy makers to establish a water use baseline and inform water conservation programs.

}, keywords = {daily water use, Data Analytics, occupant behavior, residential water consumption, Water usage behavior}, author = {Peng Xue and Tianzhen Hong and Bing Dong and Cheuk Ming Mak} }