Definition of specific comfort parameters, indoor environmental and architectural quality: Evaluated by Danish single-family homeowners

摘要

In the coming years, the European building sector faces a large challenge to reduce the energy consumption and CO2 emission. Private homeowners need to participate in this process, but various barriers prevent them from conducting extensive energy renovations. Studies have, nonetheless, shown that improvements in indoor environment, comfort and architecture can motivate the Danish homeowners to complete energy renovations. In order to utilize these results and thereby reduce the energy consumption in the existing Danish building stock, this paper examines which aspects of indoor environment and comfort the homeowners find essential, and which level of architectural change they prefer. The presented results derive from a survey conducted January 2012 where 883 homeowners completed a questionnaire about energy renovation. The aspects found most crucial for good indoor environment and comfort are stable and right temperature, good and plenty daylight, the ability to open windows and get fresh air, optimal lay-out and no draught. Preferably, the architecture should undergo some changes, but it is essential that the original style of the house is respected. The life-cycle situation is the key element to consider when motivating the homeowners since this can influence the effect of the motivation in both negative and positive direction.