Evaluating Personalised Energy Feedback Information for Behaviour Change in Commercial Buildings

A growing body of research indicates that the improved feedback of energy information to building users can encourage more efficient use of energy. However, the majority of previous research studies into energy feedback have focused on electricity use in homes, with little research undertaken in commercial buildings. This paper discusses the use of energy feedback in the commercial setting, in the context of a UK study that is currently investigating the development and application of wireless behaviour information (Wi-be) systems that utilise low power wireless sensors and networks for monitoring personal energy use, patterns of occupancy, and delivering personalised energy feedback information. Central to the “Wi-be” approach is the provision of accurate disaggregated feedback, so that individual energy users can assess the impact of their behaviour. The paper describes the study‟s methodology suggesting how behaviour change and energy savings can be evaluated. Both the positive and negative aspects of the technology are considered from technical and user perspectives. Results from initial interviews provide some support for the use of personalised feedback in commercial buildings. They also highlight the need to address the control of communal energy end-uses and the potentially counterproductive ethical issues associated with energy monitoring and tracking; including privacy, surveillance and the misuse of data.