Integrating Occupant Behaviour into Urban-Building Energy Modelling: A Review of Current Practices and Challenges

Alessia Banfi, Martina Ferrando, Peixian Li, Xing Shi and Francesco Causone ()
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Alessia Banfi: Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milano, Italy
Martina Ferrando: Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milano, Italy
Peixian Li: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, No. 1239 Si Ping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
Xing Shi: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University, No. 1239 Si Ping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
Francesco Causone: Energy Department, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milano, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: Urban-Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) tools play a crucial role in analysing and optimizing energy use within cities. Among the available approaches, the bottom-up physics-based one is the most versatile for urban development and management applications. However, their accuracy is often limited by the inability to capture the dynamic impact of occupants’ presence and actions (i.e., Occupant Behaviour) on building energy use patterns. While recent research has explored advanced Occupant Behaviour (OB) modelling techniques that incorporate stochasticity and contextual influences, current UBEM practices primarily rely on static occupant profiles, due to limitations in the software itself. This paper addresses this topic by conducting a thorough literature review to examine existing OB modelling techniques, data sources, key features and detailed information that could enhance UBEM simulations. Furthermore, the flexibility of available UBEM tools for integrating advanced OB models will be assessed, along with the identification of areas for improvement. The findings of this review are intended to guide researchers and tool developers towards creating more robust and occupant-centric urban energy simulations.

Keywords: Occupant Behaviour (OB); Urban-Building Energy Modelling (UBEM); building performance simulation; occupancy; human activities (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: 2024
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