**5.3. Data review**

Research into the building performance and user satisfaction was undertaken using a varie‐ ty of approaches and techniques for data collation and analysis. This was designed to pri‐ marily provide a resource of quantitative (empirical) data but which was supported by qualitative data providing a greater depth to the analytical process. Over a 3½ week period the internal temperature, relative humidity and CO2concentration were monitored in all apartments, the hall and kitchens of five flatted dwellings and throughout one office space (noting that in each case the bathrooms/ WCs were omitted).

taken the thermostat was turned to it's highest setting with the same image being taken one

The Role of Building Users in Achieving Sustainable Energy Futures

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/51900

161

The level of the initial reading suggested that the control of the heating system was ineffec‐ tive. This was confirmed by the lack of response over the subsequent sixty-minute period. Poor performance of heating controls, allied to a poor user interface, were identified as fac‐ tors that consistently resulted in the creation of sustained internal temperatures exceeding the comfort range. In addition to this, the lack of thermal mass in the structure, an outcome of the approach to thermal upgrade of the historic fabric, results in high rates of heat gain and loss; a process which is difficult for residents to stabilise once the cycle of window open‐ ing has commenced. Ultimately, having windows open when heating is on leads to an in‐ crease in the energy required for space heating and undermines the thermal efficiency of the

**Figure 10.** Physical parameters in Dwelling 5 living room – fluctuating thermal comfort

**Figure 11.** Floor surface temperature T1 and T2

hour later (T2).

Although not a longitudinal study, there are significant benefits in a short, intense period of monitoring. The relatively brief duration led to limited intrusion on the occupants, ensured continuity in data collection relative to both dwellings and occupants and allowed a fine granularity, which helped to identify specific events within the flats.
