Understanding the energy consumption and occupancy of a multi-purpose academic building

TLDR

Non‑domestic buildings contribute about 19 % of UK CO₂ emissions, and their energy demand is complex, requiring detailed understanding of individual building usage. The authors conducted a pilot study on a university building, analysing half‑hourly electrical demand data alongside staff and student questionnaires and management interviews to uncover usage patterns. Energy demand profiles showed a clear trend largely independent of occupancy, yet detailed occupancy data revealed opportunities for the building management system to optimise controls and improve energy performance.

Abstract

Building energy use associated with non-domestic buildings accounts for approximately 19% of the total UK CO2 emissions. Energy consumption in a non-domestic building is a complex issue due to a wide variety of uses and energy services and therefore the energy demand of individual buildings need to be understood. A pilot study was undertaken to analyse the relationship between the electrical energy demand profiles and user activities for a university building. To gain insight into how the building is used, operated and managed on a daily basis, an online questionnaire was distributed to staff and students as well as interviews conducted with key management personnel. Analysis was performed on the half-hourly electrical demand data for the case-study building to identify key trends and patterns in energy use. The shape and magnitude of energy demand profiles show a significant trend which does not seem to be strongly connected to occupancy patterns. It was found that the building was mostly controlled by a building management system (BMS) where building users have minimal access to the controls. However, it was interesting to find that the detailed information on the occupancy patterns could help the management team to redesign control strategies for optimum energy performance of the building.