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Figure 10: Consideration of user behaviour in the development of the pilot project houses
In the case of the eco-house the role of user behaviour on building performance was
complicated by the fact that the designer/builder would be living in one of the properties
and renting the other. Nevertheless there was a belief by the developer that the nature of
the eco-house would influence its tenants though high levels of insulation which would
reduce heating demand, although he conceded that he would be trying to rent the house
to someone environmentally conscious; as explained below:
‘I think that that you can influence user behaviour by increasing levels of
insulation so that even if they do want it warmer it’s not going to take that much
energy to keep it warmer. But obviously if someone moves in and cranks up the
thermostat so that it is 30 degrees all the time then obviously it is going to have a
bearing on energy efficiency… I think also that it will tend to be someone more
environmentally conscious who is going to want to rent a house like that and who
I'd be more comfortable renting a house like that’
The designer/builder of the eco-house explained the importance of choosing someone
environmentally conscious in the quote below:
‘I think it is a more sensitive type of housing - if you get water into the middle of a
straw wall somehow that could cause a serious issue and you can't go slapping
emulsion paint on the walls because that would stop it being breathable but yes it
is sensitive house that needs to be treated properly but if you treat it properly it
will look after you’
The fact that the designer/builder of the eco-house is in a position to choose someone
environmentally conscious contrasts with housing associations, such as PHA, who often
had to contend with tenants who might have little or no interest in a particular house’s
energy saving features. One interviewee described how PHA often has to contend with
tenants with little or no interested in a house’s energy saving features:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Simplicity of Control systems
Automation of temperature controls
Energy Display Monitors
Smart Meters
Provision of a Home User Guide
Automation of lighting
Could you rate to what extent the following items were taken into account
with regard to considering user behaviour for the pathfinder houses?
EcoHouse Respondent
Respondent 1
Respondent 2
Respondent 3
Respondent 4
Respondent 5
Respondent 6
Respondent 7
