Reducing the energy consumption of a house is reliant on its residents as technology can only do so much, a new report has concluded.
Research from the UK Energy Research Centre says that while builders can make a house zero carbon, its users also need to be informed about energy efficiency.
Author of the report Kathryn Janda published her findings in Architectural Science Review and suggested that while technology can reduce the effect of people’s energy use, people’s behaviour is not always predictable and reasoned.
Indeed, she also noted that architects could be best placed to deliver energy efficiency measures, while greater investment in teaching consumers is also needed.
Dr Janda said: “If government supported research and teaching in this vital area, we could move towards developing the smart people needed to maximise building performance.
“Concurrently, the building professions would have to reshape their norms of success and achievement.”
The report did highlight the behavioural effect of smart devices. Dr Janda claimed that homeowners reduced their energy use when they were given feedback from either smart meters or itemised energy bills.
Posted by Emily Thomas
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For more information please see: UK Energy Research Centre
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