Beyond energy- efficient built environment – examining the relationship between the users’ cultural values and energy consumption

Abstract

Recent developments at the global level have forced responsible countries to take decisive actions to mitigate climate change. In the race to reduce energy consumption in the Built Environment, resource efficiency has been underpinned by low embodied energy (low carbon building) and consumption pattern. Recent expectations of energy reduction and energy efficiency have redefined the way buildings are insulated and spaces are utilised. This is particularly critical in the case of Passivhaus design, smart buildings etc, where the users are expected to align themselves to the building specification than the conventional practice of designing and building for the users’ requirements. There is a direct correlation between culture informed behaviour and sustainable built environment. Though there is considerable progress in energy efficiency in the built environment, further research is required to understand the individual perception and its implication on energy consumption pattern. Further, research relating ethnic background and their behaviour to energy consumption are scant. In this context, this paper reviews the prevailing research in the three broad areas of Thermal comfort, Ethnicity and Cultural Behaviour and its impact on Energy behaviour. Due to time and scope, this paper will not dwell deep into these topics, rather on the overlapping, interrelated aspects. In the process, it proposes a framework to analyse user energy behaviour while addressing the built environmental issues related to climate change. These topics present many opportunities for productive future research.