Interaction between building design, managemant, household and individual factors in relation to energy use for heating in residential buildings in Stockholm

Panel: 5A. Cutting the energy use of buildings: Projects and technologies

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Karin Engvall, Dep of Medical Sciences/Occcupational and environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden
Erik Lampa, Uppsala university, Sweden
Egil Öfverholm, Swedish Energy Agency, Sweden
Per Levin, Projektengagemang AB, Sweden
Per Wickman, ATON Teknikonsult AB, Sweden

Abstract

In 2005, information from 472 multi-family buildings with 7 554 dwellings in Stockholm were selected from the national building register, by stratified random sampling. Information about building characteristics and management was gathered from property owners. Energy use for heating (kWh/m2ATemp and year), was collected from the energy declaration forms and the utility company. Used measurements were controlled by certified energy consultants. Perceived thermal comfort, household and personal factors were assessed by a standardized questionnaire (SIEQ), answered by one person (≥18 y) in each dwelling and the proportion of each factor was calculated for each building. Statistical analysis was performed by multiple linear regression models with control for relevant factors all at the same time in the model. Energy use for space heating was found to be significantly related to the building age, length of time since the last heating adjustment, type of ventilation system, proportion of females, building ownership, type of building, and proportion of occupants expressing thermal discomfort. These factors were significant when adjusted for garage, laundry-room, number of apartments in the building, proportion of current smokers, foreign born and income by family and year. Not significantly related to energy use for heating, were the administrative procedure for management, person per m2, occupants’ average age, time spend in the dwelling and airing habits. In order to provide useful insights about the relationship between energy use for space heating and factors related to the building itself, the level of property maintenance of the building, household and individual aspects have to be considered. How beneficial the energy efficiency measures will be may depend on how they interact with each other. The results show that greater focus should be on real estate management and maintenance, and there is a need for research with a gender perspective on energy use for heating.