Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

A critical review on questionnaire surveys in the field of energy-related occupant behaviour

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Energy Efficiency Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Occupants perform various actions to satisfy their physical and non-physical needs in buildings. These actions greatly affect building operations and thus energy use. Clearly understanding and accurately modelling occupant behaviour in buildings are crucial to guide energy-efficient building design and operation, and to reduce the gap between design and actual energy performance of buildings. To study and understand occupant behaviour, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey is one of the most useful tools to gain insights on general behaviour patterns and drivers, and to find connections between human, social and local comfort parameters. In this study, 33 projects were reviewed from the energy-related occupant behaviour research literature that employed cross-sectional surveys or interviews for data collection from the perspective of findings, limitations and methodological challenges. This research shows that future surveys are needed to bridge the gaps in literature but they would need to encompass a multidisciplinary approach to do so as until now only environmental and engineering factors were considered in these studies. Insights from social practice theories and techniques must be acquired to deploy robust and unbiased questionnaire results, which will provide new, more comprehensive knowledge in the field, and therefore occupant behaviour could be better understood and represented in building performance simulation to support design and operation of low or net-zero energy buildings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ajzen, I. (1985). From intentions to actions: A theory of planned behavior. (J. Kuhl & J. Beckman, Ed.) (Springer.). Heidelberg, Germany.

  • Al-Mumin, A., Khattab, O., & Sridhar, G. (2003). Occupants’ behavior and activity patterns influencing the energy consumption in the Kuwaiti residences. Energy and Buildings, 35, 549–559. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(02)00167-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, R. V., Toftum, J., Andersen, K. K., & Olesen, B. W. (2009). Survey of occupant behaviour and control of indoor environment in Danish dwellings. Energy and Buildings, 41(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2008.07.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bamberg, S. (2003). How does environmental concern influence specific environmentally related behaviors? A new answer to an old question. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 23(1), 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-4944(02)00078-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Becker, R., & Paciuk, M. (2009). Thermal comfort in residential buildings—failure to predict by standard model. Building and Environment, 44(5), 948–960. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.06.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bekö, G., Toftum, J., & Clausen, G. (2011). Modeling ventilation rates in bedrooms based on building characteristics and occupant behavior. Building and Environment, 46(11), 2230–2237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2011.05.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourgeois, D. (2005). Detailed occupancy prediction, occupancy-sensing control and advanced behavioural modelling within whole-building energy simulation. PhD Thesis from Faculté des études supérieures, Université Laval, Québec, 148.

  • Brager, G. S., Paliaga, G., De Dear, R., Olesen, B., Wen, J., Nicol, F., & Humphreys, M. (2004). Operable windows, personal control, and occupant comfort. ASHRAE Transactions, 110 PART I, 17–35.

  • Brundrett, G. W. (1977). Ventilation: A behavioural approach. International Journal of Energy Research, 1(4), 289–298. https://doi.org/10.1002/er.4440010403.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burak Gunay, H., O’Brien, W., Beausoleil-Morrison, I., & Perna, A. (2014). On the behavioral effects of residential electricity submetering in a heating season. Building and Environment, 81, 396–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.07.020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C., & Knight, K. (2014). Energy at work: Social psychological factors affecting energy conservation intentions within Chinese electric power companies. Energy Research & Social Science, 4, 23–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2014.08.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, C. F., Xu, X., & Frey, S. (2016). Who wants solar water heaters and alternative fuel vehicles? Assessing social-psychological predictors of adoption intention and policy support in China. Energy Research and Social Science, 15, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2016.02.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christian, L. M., Rogers, A. K., & Dillman, D. A. (2014). Internet, phone, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method (4th ed.). Wiley.

  • Cook, T. D., & Campbell, D. T. (1979). Quasi-experimentation: Design and analysis for field settings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cronbach, L. J., & Meehl, P. E. (1955). Construct validity in psychological test. Psychological Bulletin. doi:52, 281–302.

  • de Groot, J., & Steg, L. (2007). General beliefs and the theory of planned behavior: The role of environmental concerns in the TPB. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 37, 1817–1836. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.2007.00239.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • D’Oca, S., Corgnati, S. P., & Buso, T. (2014). Smart meters and energy savings in Italy: Determining the effectiveness of persuasive communication in dwellings. Energy Research & Social Science, 3, 131–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2014.07.015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Nationale DenkTank. (2011). Energie in Beweging, 35.

  • Dillman, D. A. . (2000). Mail and internet surveys: The tailored design method.

  • Don, A. D. I. L. L. M. A. N., R, E. A., & D, J. J. (1983). Lifestyle and home energy conservation in the United States: The poor accept lifestyle cutbacks while the wealthy invest in conservation. Journal of Economic Psychology, 299–315.

  • Dunn, G., & Knight, I. (2005). Small power equipment loads in UK office environments. Energy and Buildings, 37(1), 87–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2004.05.007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dykes, C., & Baird, G. (2013). A review of questionnaire-based methods used for assessing and benchmarking indoor environmental quality. Intelligent Buildings International, 5(3: POE), 135–149.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fabi, V., Andersen, R. V., Corgnati, S., & Olesen, B. W. (2012). Occupants’ window opening behaviour: A literature review of factors influencing occupant behaviour and models. Building and Environment, 58, 188–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.07.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fanger P. O. (1970). Thermal Comfort. Danish Technical Press, Danish Kr., 244 pp.

  • Fazio, R. H. (1990). Multiple processes by which attitudes guide behavior: The MODE model as an integrative framework. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 23, 75–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feng, X., Ph.D, D. Y., Chuang Wang, P. D., Sun, H., Kimberly, M., Deepa, G., Board, E., Principal, E., et al. (2015). A preliminary research on the derivation of typical occupant behavior based on large-scale questionnaire surveys. Energy and Buildings (MANUSCRIPT), (1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-014-0173-7.2.

  • Ferguson, S., Siddiqi, A., Lewis, K., & de Weck, O. L. (2007). Flexible and reconfigurable systems: Nomenclature and review. Proceedings IDETC/CIE, 2, 965–970. https://doi.org/10.1039/b617225c.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fransson, N., & Gärling, T. (1999). Environmental concern: Conceptual definitions, measurement methods, and research findings. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 19(4), 369–382. https://doi.org/10.1006/jevp.1999.0141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frontczak, M., Andersen, R. V., & Wargocki, P. (2012). Questionnaire survey on factors influencing comfort with indoor environmental quality in Danish housing. Building and Environment, 50, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2011.10.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, Y. L., Mattila, A. S., & Lee, S. (2016). A meta-analysis of behavioral intentions for environment-friendly initiatives in hospitality research. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 54, 107–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2016.01.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghiselli, E. E., Campbell, J. P., & Zedeck, S. (1981). Measurement theory for the behavioral sciences. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guerra-Santin, O., & Itard, L. (2010). Occupants’ behaviour: Determinants and effects on residential heating consumption. Building Research & Information, 38(3), 318–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613211003661074.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunay, H. B., O’Brien, W., & Beausoleil-Morrison, I. (2013). A critical review of observation studies, modeling, and simulation of adaptive occupant behaviors in offices. Building and Environment, 70, 31–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2013.07.020.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoes, P., Hensen, J. L. M., Loomans, M. G. L. C., de Vries, B., & Bourgeois, D. (2009). User behavior in whole building simulation. Energy and Buildings, 41(3), 295–302. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2008.09.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong, T., Taylor-Lange, S. C., D’Oca, S., Yan, D., & Corgnati, S. P. (2015). Advances in research and applications of energy-related occupant behavior in buildings. Energy and Buildings, 116, 694–702. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.11.052.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong, T., D’Oca, S., Turner, W.J.N., Taylor-Lange, S.C. (2015a) An ontology to represent energy-related occupant behavior in buildings Part I: Introduction to the DNAs Framework, Building and Environment, 92, 764–777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.02.019.

  • Hong, T., D’Oca, S., Taylor-Lange, S.C., Turner, W.J.N., Chen, Y., & Corgnati, S.P. (2015b) An ontology to represent energy-related occupant behavior in buildings. Part II: Implementation of the DNAS framework using an XML schema. Building and Environment, 94, 196–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.08.006.

  • Hong, T., Sun, H., Chen, Y., Taylor-Lange, S.C., Yan, D. (2015c) An occupant behavior modeling tool for cosimulation, Energy Build. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.10.033.

  • Hong, T., Yan, D., D’Oca, S., & Chen, C. (2016). Ten questions concerning occupant behavior in buildings: The big picture. Building and Environment, 114, 518–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2016.12.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hua, Y., Oswald, A., & Yang, X. (2011). Effectiveness of daylighting design and occupant visual satisfaction in a LEED Gold laboratory building. Building and Environment, 46(1), 54–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2010.06.016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Humphreys, M. a. (2005). Quantifying occupant comfort: Are combined indices of the indoor environment practicable? Building Research & Information, 33(4), 317–325. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210500161950.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iwashita, G., & Akasaka, H. (1997). The effects of human behavior on natural ventilation rate and indoor air environment in summer {\textemdash} a field study in southern Japan. Energy and Buildings, 25, 195–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karjalainen, S. (2007). Why it is difficult to use a simple device: An analysis of a room thermostat. Human-Computer Interaction, 4550, 544–548.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karjalainen, S. (2009). Thermal comfort and use of thermostats in Finnish homes and offices. Building and Environment, 44(6), 1237–1245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.09.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kawamoto, K., Shimoda, Y., & Mizuno, M. (2004). Energy saving potential of office equipment power management. Energy and Buildings, 36(9), 915–923. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2004.02.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kerlinger, F. N., & Lee, H. B. (2000). Foundations of behavioral research (4th ed.). Fort Worth, TX: Harcourt College.

  • Leeuw, E. D., de Hox, J. J., & Dillman, D. A. (2008). International Handbook of Survey Methodology. International Handbook of Survey Methodology, 387–402. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203843123.

  • Lutzenhiser, L. (1992). A question of control: Alternative patterns of room air-conditioner use. Energy and Buildings, 18(3–4), 193–200. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-7788(92)90013-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lutzenhiser, L. (1993). Social and behavioral aspects of energy use. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 18, 247–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matthies, E., Kastner, I., Klesse, A., & Wagner, H.-J. (2011). High reduction potentials for energy user behavior in public buildings: How much can psychology-based interventions achieve? Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 1(3), 241–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-011-0024-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meier, H., & Rehdanz, K. (2010). Determinants of residential space heating expenditures in Great Britain. Energy Economics, 32(5), 949–959. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eneco.2009.11.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, T., Carter, D. J., & Slater, A. (2003). Long-term patterns of use of occupant controlled office lighting. Lighting Research and Technology, 35(1), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.1191/1477153503li061oa.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Netemeyer, R., Van Ryn, M., & Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Orgnizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nicol, J. F. (2001). Characterising occupant behavior in buildings: Towards a stochastic model of occupant use of windows, lights, blinds heaters and fans. Seventh International IBPSA Conference, 1073–1078.

  • Nicol, J. F., & Humphreys, M. A. (2004). A stochastic approach to thermal comfort—occupant behavior and energy use in buildings. ASHRAE Transactions, 110(Issue 2), p554.

    Google Scholar 

  • Norford, L. K., Socolow, R. H., Hsieh, E. S., & Spadaro, G. V. (1994). Two-to-one discrepancy between measured and predicted performance of a “low-energy” office building: Insights from a reconciliation based on the DOE-2 model. Energy and Buildings, 21(2), 121–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-7788(94)90005-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nulty, D. D. (2008). The adequacy of response rates to online and paper surveys: What can be done? Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(3), 301–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602930701293231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Brien, W., Kapsis, K., & Athienitis, A. K. (2013). Manually-operated window shade patterns in office buildings: A critical review. Building and Environment, 60, 319–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.10.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Office of Management and Budget. (2013). Revised delineations of metropolitan statistical areas, micropolitan statistical areas, and combined statistical areas, and guidance on uses ofthe delineations of these areas, (13), 1–152.

  • Oladokun, M. G., & Odesola, I. a. (2015). Household energy consumption and carbon emissions for sustainable cities—a critical review of modelling approaches. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, 4(2), 231–247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsbe.2015.07.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ole Fanger, P., & Toftum, J. (2002). Extension of the PMV model to non-air-conditioned buildings in warm climates. Energy and Buildings, 34(6), 533–536. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(02)00003-8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Papakostas, K. T., & Sotiropoulos, B. a. (1997). Occupational and energy behaviour patterns in Greek residences. Energy and Buildings, 26, 207–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(97)00002-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pigg, S., Eilers, M., & Reed, J. (1996). Behavioral aspects of lighting and occupancy sensors in privates offices: A case study of a university office building. ACEEE 1996 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, 161–170.

  • Polinder, H., Schweiker, M., Aa, A. Van Der, Schakib-Ekbatan, K., Fabi, V., Andersen, R., et al. (2013). Final report annex 53—occupant behavior and modeling.

  • Price, P., & Sherman, M. (2006). Ventilation behavior and household characteristics in new California houses, LBNL 596 (April), LBNL 59620.

  • Raja, I. a., Nicol, J. F., McCartney, K. J., & Humphreys, M. a. (2001). Thermal comfort: Use of controls in naturally ventilated buildings. Energy and Buildings, 33(3), 235–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-7788(00)00087-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reckwitz, A. (2002). Toward a theory of social practices a development in culturalist theorizing. European Journal of Social Theory, 5(2), 243–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reinhart, C., & Fitz, A. (2006). Findings from a survey on the current use of daylight simulations in building design. Energy and Buildings, 38(7), 824–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2006.03.012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rijal. (2008). Development of adaptive algorithms for the operation of windows, fans and doors to predict thermal comfort and energy use in Pakistani buildings., XXXIII(2), 81–87. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-014-0173-7.2.

  • Rijal, H. B., Tuohy, P., Humphreys, M. a., Nicol, J. F., Samuel, A., & Clarke, J. (2007). Using results from field surveys to predict the effect of open windows on thermal comfort and energy use in buildings. Energy and Buildings, 39(7), 823–836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2007.02.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sardianou, E. (2008). Estimating space heating determinants: An analysis of Greek households. Energy and Buildings, 40(6), 1084–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2007.10.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, S., & Bilsky, W. (1990). Toward a theory of the universal content and structure of. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 53, 550–562.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shove, E., Pantzar, M., & Watson, M. (2012). The dynamics of social practice: Everyday life and how it changes. SAGE Publications, The Dynamics of Social Practice.

  • Staddon, S. C., Cycil, C., Goulden, M., Leygue, C., & Spence, A. (2016). Intervening to change behaviour and save energy in the workplace: A systematic review of available evidence. Energy Research and Social Science, 17, 30–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2016.03.027.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stem, P., Young, O., & Druckman, D. (1991). Global environmental change: Understanding the human dimensions. Washington, DC: Natl. Acad. Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stern, P. C., Dietz, T., & Black, J. S. (1985). Support for environmental protection: The role of moral norms. Population and Environment, 8(3–4), 204–222.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, C., & Frankel, M. (2008). Energy performance of LEED ® for new construction buildings. New Buildings Institute, 1–46.

  • Van Raaij, W. F., & Verhallen, T. M. M. (1983). A behavioral model of residential energy use. Journal of Economic Psychology, 3(1), 39–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-4870(83)90057-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veitch, J. A., Mancini, S., Galasiu, A. D., & Laouadi, A. (2013). Survey on Canadian households’ control of indoor climate.

  • Vorapat, I. (2005). Balancing comfort: Occupants’ control of window blinds in private offices.

  • Warren, P.R. & Parkins, L.M. (1984). Window-opening behaviour in office buildings, 1(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.004.

  • Wei, S., Buswell, R., & Loveday, D. (2010). Probabilistic modelling of human adaptive behaviour in non-air-conditioned buildings. Adapting to Change: New Thinking on Comfort, 55(April), 9–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, C. (2013). Questionnaires and Surveys. Credible Checklists and Quality Questionnaires, 29–79. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781849209793.

  • Xu, B., Fu, L., & Di, H. (2009). Field investigation on consumer behavior and hydraulic performance of a district heating system in Tianjin, China. Building and Environment, 44(2), 249–259. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.03.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, D., O’Brien, W., Hong, T., Feng, X., Burak Gunay, H., Tahmasebi, F., & Mahdavi, A. (2015). Occupant behavior modeling for building performance simulation: Current state and future challenges. Energy and Buildings, 107, 264–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.08.032.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan, D., Hong, T., Dong, B., Mahdavi, A., D’Oca, S., Gaetani, I., & Feng, X. (2017). IEA EBC Annex 66: Definition and simulation of occupant behavior in buildings. Energy and Buildings, 156, 258–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.09.084.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., & Altan, H. (2011). A comparison of the occupant comfort in a conventional high-rise office block and a contemporary environmentally-concerned building. Building and Environment, 46(2), 535–545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2010.09.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., & Barrett, P. (2012). Factors influencing occupants’ blind-control behaviour in a naturally ventilated office building. Building and Environment, 54, 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2012.02.016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge a Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher Award from the Fulbright Hungarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange which enabled scientific exchange between Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Funding

This work was sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231) under the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center on Building Energy Efficiency. This work is also part of the research activities of the International Energy Agency, Energy in Buildings and Communities Program, Annex 66: Definition and Simulation of Occupant Behavior in Buildings.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zsofia Deme Belafi.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Deme Belafi, Z., Hong, T. & Reith, A. A critical review on questionnaire surveys in the field of energy-related occupant behaviour. Energy Efficiency 11, 2157–2177 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-018-9711-z

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12053-018-9711-z

Keywords

Navigation