Principles of adaptive behaviours

Abstract

This short chapter introduces the causal relationship between the behaviour of building occupants, their comfort and the energy used by the buildings. It suggests that much of the behaviour is motivated by the desire of the occupants to make themselves comfortable and to optimise the environment. The provision of comfortable conditions in domestic buildings in hot-humid climates is highlighted. An annex also introduces ways in which the comfort-related behaviour can be understood and allowed for in predictive simulations of indoor temperature and energy use.