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Spatial and Behavioral Thermal Adaptation in Net Zero Energy Buildings: An Exploratory Investigation

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  • Shady Attia

    (Department UEE, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sustainable Building Design Lab, Université de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium)

Abstract

Climate responsive design can amplify the positive environmental effects necessary for human habitation and constructively engage and reduce the energy use of existing buildings. This paper aims to assess the role of the thermal adaptation design strategy on thermal comfort perception, occupant behavior, and building energy use in twelve high-performance Belgian households. Thermal adaptation involves thermal zoning and behavioral adaptation to achieve thermal comfort and reduce energy use in homes. Based on quantitative and qualitative fieldwork and in-depth interviews conducted in Brussels, the paper provides insights on the impact of using mechanical systems in twelve newly renovated nearly- and net-zero energy households. The article calls for embracing thermal adaptation as a crucial design principle in future energy efficiency standards and codes. Results confirm the rebound effect in nearly zero energy buildings and the limitation of the current building energy efficiency standards. The paper offers a fresh perspective to the field of building energy efficiency that will appeal to researchers and architects, as well as policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Shady Attia, 2020. "Spatial and Behavioral Thermal Adaptation in Net Zero Energy Buildings: An Exploratory Investigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:7961-:d:419716
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohamed Elhadi Matallah & Waqas Ahmed Mahar & Mushk Bughio & Djamel Alkama & Atef Ahriz & Soumia Bouzaher, 2021. "Prediction of Climate Change Effect on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Arid Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-26, August.
    2. Mohamed Elhadi Matallah & Djamel Alkama & Jacques Teller & Atef Ahriz & Shady Attia, 2021. "Quantification of the Outdoor Thermal Comfort within Different Oases Urban Fabrics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Guirec Ruellan & Mario Cools & Shady Attia, 2021. "Analysis of the Determining Factors for the Renovation of the Walloon Residential Building Stock," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-20, February.
    4. Timothy O. Adekunle, 2023. "Occupants’ Perceptions of Comfort, Control, and Adaptation in Colonial Revival Style Residences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-25, January.
    5. Attia, Shady & Canonge, Théophile & Popineau, Mathieu & Cuchet, Mathilde, 2022. "Developing a benchmark model for renovated, nearly zero-energy, terraced dwellings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PB).
    6. Mi-Hyang Lee & Deuk-Youm Cheon & Seung-Hoon Han, 2020. "A Technical Assessment of Comfort Performance of Hanok Using Comparative Field Surveys between Experts and Users," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-18, December.
    7. Li, Y. & Arulnathan, V. & Heidari, M.D. & Pelletier, N., 2022. "Design considerations for net zero energy buildings for intensive, confined poultry production: A review of current insights, knowledge gaps, and future directions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    8. Jonghoon Ahn, 2020. "Improvement of the Performance Balance between Thermal Comfort and Energy Use for a Building Space in the Mid-Spring Season," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-14, November.

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