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Immersive Virtual Training Environment to Improve Building Users’ Awareness of Energy-Related Behaviour: Development and Pilot Testing

Author

Listed:
  • Arianna Latini

    (Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Elisa Di Giuseppe

    (Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Ludovica Marcelli

    (Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Marco D’Orazio

    (Department of Construction, Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICEA), Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

Abstract

Virtual Reality is transforming the engineering and construction sectors by enabling pre-design evaluations and training to foster informed energy decision-making. Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs) can boost user engagement by integrating real-time information and feedback in the virtual space. This research aims to assess whether immersive training can increase users’ awareness of the consequences of their energy-related behaviours and improve energy efficiency and thermal condition. Thus, an immersive training activity was developed by integrating an IVE with the results of a real residential Building Energy Model. Fifty-two participants interacted with building systems (e.g., air conditioning, windows, and blinds) to improve thermal comfort under summer conditions. Graphical indicators and tips were updated in real time, showing the behavioural consequences of indoor air temperature and energy consumption. The findings confirmed the ecological validity of the immersive training activity. Over 90% of the participants displayed excellent knowledge acquisition, through effective and simple recommendations, which positively correlated with the number of attempts (τ > 0), highlighting the potential of increasing users’ awareness from the pre-design stages.

Suggested Citation

  • Arianna Latini & Elisa Di Giuseppe & Ludovica Marcelli & Marco D’Orazio, 2025. "Immersive Virtual Training Environment to Improve Building Users’ Awareness of Energy-Related Behaviour: Development and Pilot Testing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-25, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4025-:d:1645998
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Antonio Paone & Jean-Philippe Bacher, 2018. "The Impact of Building Occupant Behavior on Energy Efficiency and Methods to Influence It: A Review of the State of the Art," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Francisco, Abigail & Truong, Hanh & Khosrowpour, Ardalan & Taylor, John E. & Mohammadi, Neda, 2018. "Occupant perceptions of building information model-based energy visualizations in eco-feedback systems," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 220-228.
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