VIRTUAL London.

Abstract

Decarbonizing buildings, including through energy use, is a key component of effective low-carbon transitions. Yet much literature has noted a performance gap between what is predicted and actual energy use throughout a building’s lifecycle. Studies often point to occupant behaviour as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) choices (namely the role of humans) as ways to explain this discrepancy. However, less attention has been placed on the role that other humans involved in the lifecycle of buildings (such as architects and developers) have on the energy use throughout the building’s lifecycle. Using surveys, interviews, and focus groups with various actors from two mid-sized cities in Canada (Vancouver, British Columbia and Ottawa, Ontario), we found that ‘hidden human dimensions’ and ‘inflection points’ that alter various building versions are key. Firstly, we found that strategies including the critical role of integrated building design in delivering high performance buildings that serve their occupants’ needs are important. Secondly, the importance of professionals of the built environment learning and practicing soft skills, such as communication, affect building energy use. Thirdly, implementing more checks throughout a building’s lifecycle to control the various versions of the building as it goes through its lifecycle are important factors for building energy use.