November 2024
David Connacher, Marketing Manager of West Fraser, discusses howinhabitant behaviour isintegral to a building's success and performance
People spend 80-90%* of their time indoors
While poor indoor air quality and overheating are well known problems, architects, designers and M&E consultants cannot necessarily predict patterns of occupant behaviour. Building users are fickle and often override or even tamper with the devices and components installed to make systems work effectively. This can range from the simple act of adjusting thermostats or air condition controls to disconnecting devices that they perceive to be noisy or wasteful of energy, such as MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery) systems. Poor performance also results from maintenance being neglected, for example, ongoing servicing and filter cleaning.
An over-reliance on technology to solve inherent building design issues is not the answer when it comes to creating healthy and energy efficient buildings. While fabric first principles must always be at the forefront of building design, they must also be coupled with the education of building owners and occupiers, especially when focusing on reducing energy use.
Paradoxically, the belief that we are being efficient tends to lead us to consume more energy. The knowledge that lightbulbs are low energy often means there is far less incentive to turn them off, so the overall energy used is little different from before. This idea that increased energy efficiency results in increased energy consumption is widely accepted and is dubbed the Khazzoom-Brookes postulate. At its extreme, people may put the money saved on energy in their home towards overseas holidays involving flying - hardly the most sustainable option.
To find out more about West Fraser's support for architects and to access useful downloads, visit the architects' page athttps://uk.westfraser.com/resources/architect-support/
For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visithttps://uk.westfraser.com/
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With Compliments:
Taylor Alden
7 Bell Yard
London
WC2A 2JR
helen@tayloralden.co.uk