Users’ Sensations in the Context of Energy Efficiency Maintenance in Public Utility Buildings

Edyta Dudkiewicz, Marta Laska and Natalia Fidorów-Kaprawy
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Edyta Dudkiewicz: Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Marta Laska: Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Natalia Fidorów-Kaprawy: Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 23, 1-24

Abstract: Research towards understanding the relationship between maintaining thermal comfort and energy efficiency in the public utility buildings was undertaken among 323 1st year students during class hours. Questionnaires surveys and measurements of indoor conditions were performed. The article identified students’ sensations and perceptions concerning indoor conditions. Temperature, relative humidity, air velocity and CO 2 concentration measured to assess room conditions showed that the auditorium had almost comfortable conditions according to the literature guidelines. The indices used to assess students’ perceptions were: Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV), Thermal Preference Vote (TPV), Air Freshness Sensation Vote (AfSV), Air Movement Preference Vote (AmPV), and Relative Humidity Preference Vote (RHPV). The interpretation of these indicators showed that while the students’ requests for temperature changes and increased air movement are adequate for the air conditions in the room, the evaluation of stuffiness and requests for changes in humidity levels are surprising. Striving uncritically to meet the desired room parameters, according to the users votes, can lead to deterioration of the air and not only the increase in energy consumption but even waste it. Better understanding of users’ preferences and behaviour and further application of this knowledge indirectly aim at increasing energy efficiency in buildings.

Keywords: CO 2 concentration; lecture room; students’ preferences; sultriness; thermal comfort; willingness to work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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