The effects of user interface designs on lighting use

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-78
Author(s):  
Pimkamol Maleetipwan-Mattsson ◽  
Thorbjörn Laike ◽  
Maria Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Public Buildings ◽  
Basic Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Design Characteristics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to differentiate human responses to different light switch designs to determine the effects of these common interfaces on user perceptions and use of electric lighting in public buildings. Design/methodology/approach Empirical studies were conducted to assess and examine user perceptions with regard to design characteristics of light switches, and occupants’ use of electric lighting was examined through field observations made in a public toilet. Findings The results point to the possibility of identifying characteristics of light switches that attract user attention and thereby encourage energy-saving behaviour in public buildings. A light switch perceived as simple but oversized affected occupants to turn off the lights more frequently when leaving the space under study as compared to switches of normal size. Research limitations/implications Information on user perceptions of light switches may be limited by the assessments being carried out only in controlled environments. Assessing user perceptions in field observations is thus desirable, as it will provide more information on the perceptions in actual settings. Practical implications Effective design of user interfaces could provide a means of lowering energy use from electric lighting by affecting the behaviour of users. Using user perceptions to define critical design characteristics could contribute to design improvements in the interfaces with respect to users’ viewpoints. Originality/value This paper contributes to the subject with a basic, field-based approach to formulating an understanding of how design via user perceptions may encourage energy-saving behaviour.

scholarly journals Energy saving potential of occupancy sensors in intermittent-use space types.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Georgia Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Time Delay ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
User Survey ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Energy Saving Potential

<p>For decades, studies have been suggesting the idea of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces for energy savings. This work investigates the potential energy savings of occupancy sensors in hallways, stairwells, seminar rooms and lavatories of an education building. Lighting is one of the largest consumers of energy in the building industry and these space types are often fully illuminated for long periods of vacancy. Lighting is for the user, not the building. Discussions centre around light use habits, energy saving behaviours and sensor technology such as time delay and daylight sensors. The experiment uses wireless light sensors and PIR sensors to measure light energy use and occupant use of 20 intermittent use spaces. A user survey was planned to run alongside the experiment to investigate user perceptions of changes in lighting but was discontinued due to unresolved software issues. Results of the experiment encouraged the use of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces. Lavatories attained highest energy saving potential 54%, seminar rooms highest annual cost savings per fitting $15.47 and highest annual energy savings 482kWh and hallways calculated the quickest payback of 8.6 years. Hallways, stairwells, seminar rooms and lavatories all offer potential for energy savings, supporting the theoretical ideas and success of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces.</p>

Understanding intentions to reduce energy consumption at the workplace by the employees: case of a developing country

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amna Akhound ◽  
Aseem Majeed Rizvi ◽  
Waqar Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Nadeem Khan
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Saving Behavior ◽  
Save Energy

PurposeEnergy-saving behavior of individuals is essential to minimize energy use and reduce the emission of toxic gases. This study's actual focus is to find out the determinants of the energy-saving behavior of individuals in the workplace.Design/methodology/approachAs a theoretical research model, the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) has been used to analyze the determinants of energy-saving intentions. A survey method is used to collect 289 valid data, and structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze the data.FindingsThe final result shows that the variables attitude at home, subjective norm (SN) and descriptive norms positively impact intention to save energy at the workplace. In contrast, the construct attitude and perceived behavior control is insignificant in this research. On the other hand, the personal moral norm (PMN) is a powerful predictor of individual energy-saving intentions at the workplace.Originality/valueThis research provides insights that will help the organizations understand the behavior of individuals at the workplace for energy-saving intentions to formulate such policies that will enhance individuals' practice for energy savings.

Action for increasing energy-saving behaviour in student residences at Rhodes University, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Ancha Lindelwa Bulunga ◽  
Gladman Thondhlana
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Environmental Behaviour ◽  
Content Type

Purpose In response to increasing energy demand and financial constraints to invest in green infrastructure, behaviour change energy-saving interventions are increasingly being considered as a tool for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in campus residences. This paper aims to report on a pilot programme aimed at reducing energy consumption via behaviour change interventions, variably applied in residences at Rhodes University, South Africa. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via structured questionnaires, energy consumption records and post-intervention programme focus group discussions. Findings Participant residences that received a mix of different interventions in the forms of pamphlets, face-to-face discussions, incentives and feedback recorded more energy reductions of up to 9 per cent than residences that received a single or no intervention. In post-experiment discussions, students cited personal, institutional and structural barriers to pro-environmental energy-use behaviour. Practical implications Overall, the results of this study suggest that information provision of energy-saving tips combined with regular feedback and incentives can result in energy-use reductions in university residences, which may yield environmental and economic benefits for universities, but addressing barriers to pro-environmental behaviour might maximise the results. Originality/value Given the lack of literature on energy conservation in the global South universities, this study provides the basis for discussing the potential for using behavioural interventions in universities for stirring pathways towards sustainability.

scholarly journals Energy saving potential of occupancy sensors in intermittent-use space types.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Georgia Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Time Delay ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
User Survey ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Energy Saving Potential

<p>For decades, studies have been suggesting the idea of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces for energy savings. This work investigates the potential energy savings of occupancy sensors in hallways, stairwells, seminar rooms and lavatories of an education building. Lighting is one of the largest consumers of energy in the building industry and these space types are often fully illuminated for long periods of vacancy. Lighting is for the user, not the building. Discussions centre around light use habits, energy saving behaviours and sensor technology such as time delay and daylight sensors. The experiment uses wireless light sensors and PIR sensors to measure light energy use and occupant use of 20 intermittent use spaces. A user survey was planned to run alongside the experiment to investigate user perceptions of changes in lighting but was discontinued due to unresolved software issues. Results of the experiment encouraged the use of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces. Lavatories attained highest energy saving potential 54%, seminar rooms highest annual cost savings per fitting $15.47 and highest annual energy savings 482kWh and hallways calculated the quickest payback of 8.6 years. Hallways, stairwells, seminar rooms and lavatories all offer potential for energy savings, supporting the theoretical ideas and success of occupancy sensors in intermittent use spaces.</p>

Green energy platform economics – understanding platformization and sustainabilization in the energy sector

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Menzel ◽  
Timm Teubner
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Green Energy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose This paper aims to present a conceptual framework for the emerging field of green energy platform economics. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop a conceptual framework based on a careful review of the existing literature, and research into the current provider landscape and insights from academic and industry experts. The authors also examine the implications for the energy sector’s value chain and derive a research agenda based on those areas where research still needs to be pursued. Findings The framework combines the spatial characteristics of platform models (residential/mobile) with the different types of platform business model (B2C/C2C/C2Grid). Using this framework, the authors illustrate how green energy platforms can fundamentally disrupt the conventional electricity value chain by enabling prosumers to market their assets, creating new arenas for trading and collaboration, and by increasing transparency and competition in the sector. The authors also identify areas where more research is required, particularly empirical studies into energy forms other than electricity and analyses of currently underrepresented aspects such as user interfaces and social interactions. Social implications Green energy platforms have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the energy sector’s decarbonization, digitalization and decentralization, and hence to the deceleration of climate change. Originality/value This paper is among the first to provide a holistic perspective on platformization in the energy sector. It also offers a new perspective on platform economics in general that is based on the unique characteristics of energy as an economic good (intangibility, homogeneity, credence good).

Towards energy transition at the Faculty of Education of Bilbao (UPV/EHU): diagnosing community and building

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1277-1296
Author(s):  
Unai Ortega Lasuen ◽  
Maria Arritokieta Ortuzar Iragorri ◽  
Jose Ramon Diez
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Literacy ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Current Energy

Purpose This paper aims to present the results of a study aimed at performing a first diagnosis of energy literacy and energy use in a Faculty of Education, by means of identifying energy consumption patterns, as well as energy literacy and commitments regarding energy transition. This diagnosis is the basis for establishing the foundations of a path toward energy transition in the faculty and further designing energy saving and education strategies. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in a mixed-method approach. A survey was arranged to assess the attitudes, habits and knowledge regarding the current energy system within the community of the Faculty (407 responses). Comparisons among the main collectives that make up the community were performed, i.e. students, teaching and research staff and management and services staff. In parallel, the general electric consumption of the faculty was monitored. The results of these diagnostics were presented at several forums and workshops on energy transition held in the faculty where personal commitments in favor of energy transition were gathered and further categorized (105 initiatives). Findings Positive attitudes toward energy saving were observed, reflecting in different generic habits. Additionally, some belief or hope for a technological solution for current and future energy problems was detected, as well as a lower level of implication or commitment when specifying personal attitudes. Similarly, widespread ignorance of the current energy context was revealed, regarding both the energy system and household energy consumption. Concerning the undertaking of personal commitments, low impact energy saving habits prevailed, and knowledge was not identified as being a necessary element of energy saving education in attitudes and habits. Practical implications This research provides relevant information for the design of educational interventions to promote energy literacy in higher education institutions. Originality/value The survey provides valuable insights regarding future educators’ and their current teachers’ energy literacy in a challenging energy context. The lack of general knowledge about the energy context in the community, together with the limited impact of the commitments gathered among students, stresses the need for integration of basic energy contents, both within education degrees and the management strategy of the faculty.

scholarly journals Balancing preservation and energy efficiency in building stocks

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Eriksson ◽  
Vlatko Milić ◽  
Tor Brostrom
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Step Method ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Historic Building ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose Energy use in buildings needs to be reduced to meet political goals; however, reducing energy use can conflict with heritage preservation objectives. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a method that combines quantitative and qualitative analyses of the potential of energy savings in an historic building stock. Specifically, this study examines how requirements of historic building preservation affect the energy saving potential on a building stock level. Design/methodology/approach Using the World Heritage Town of Visby, Sweden as a case study, this paper illustrates a step-by-step method as a basis for implementing energy savings techniques in an historic building stock. The method contains the following steps: categorisation of a building stock, definition of restriction levels for energy renovation scenarios and life cycle costs optimisation of energy measures in archetype buildings representing the building stock. Finally, this study analyses how different energy renovation strategies will impact heritage values and energy saving potentials for different categories of buildings. Findings The outcome of the study is twofold: first, the method has been tested and proven useful and second, the results from the application of the method have been used to formulate differentiated energy renovation strategies for the case study. Originality/value The study shows that it is possible to integrate techno-economic analysis with assessment of heritage values in a given building stock in order to facilitate a strategic discussion balancing policies and targets for energy savings with policies for the preservation of heritage values. The findings will contribute to sounder policy development and planning for historic building stocks.

scholarly journals Developing students’ energy literacy in higher education

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 456-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debby R E Cotton ◽  
Wendy Miller ◽  
Jennie Winter ◽  
Ian Bailey ◽  
Stephen Sterling
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Energy Saving ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Instrumental Case Study ◽  
Energy Literacy ◽  
Case Study Site ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate students’ energy literacy at a UK university, and recommends ways in which it can be enhanced using a behaviour change model. Developing students’ energy literacy is a key part of the “greening” agenda, yet little is known about how students develop their ideas about energy use and energy saving at a university. Design/methodology/approach – The research utilised a mixed-methods approach including an online survey (with 1,136 responses) and focus groups. Findings – The research identified strengths and weaknesses in students’ energy literacy, and noted the relative influence of formal and informal curricula. The potential for aligning these curricula is highlighted through the 4Es model of enable, engage, exemplify and encourage. Research limitations/implications – The research involved a single instrumental case-study site. The wider applicability of the findings should therefore be tested further in other institutions. Practical implications – The research suggests ways in which universities might better support their students in making more sustainable energy-related behaviour choices, and it indicates the importance of knowledge as well as attitudes. Social implications – The research may have implications for the energy-saving behaviours of individuals in the wider society. Originality/value – Attempts to reduce energy use in higher education are widely seen in campus operations. This research provides an indication of the potential for enhancing energy-saving through different forms of curricula.

Energy-efficient retrofitting of multi-storey residential buildings

Facilities ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C.P. Sing ◽  
Venus W.C. Chan ◽  
Joseph H.K. Lai ◽  
Jane Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Energy Saving ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Baseline Scenario ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Energy Retrofit ◽  
Energy Demands ◽  
Research Findings

Purpose Sustainable retrofitting of aged buildings plays a significant role in reducing energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to assess the performance and effectiveness of energy retrofit measures (ERMs) for an archetype of aged multi-storey residential buildings. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consists of three parts, namely, a desktop study including the selection of a case-study building and identification of ERM options for the building; development of a computer model to simulate the building’s energy use in the baseline scenario and different scenarios of ERMs; and evaluation of the ERMs based on energy-saving rate. Findings Among the 13 ERMs tested, lighting-related ERMs were found to be optimal measures while window fin is the least suitable option in terms of energy saving. Based on the research findings, a two-level retrofitting framework was developed for aged multi-storey buildings. Research limitations/implications Future studies may take a similar approach of this study to develop retrofitting frameworks for other types of buildings, and further research paper can be extended to study retrofitting for buildings in a district or a region. Practical implications The findings of this study can serve as a reference for building owners to select effective ERMs for aged multi-storey buildings, which invariably exist in developed cities. Originality/value This study presents a pioneering work where an energy model and a building archetype were used to analyze the energy savings of a variety of ERMs that are applicable to aged multi-storey buildings.

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