Analysis and Comparison of Impacts of Design Optimization Approaches with Occupant Behavior on Energy Consumption Reduction in Residential Buildings

Abstract—The high-energy demand in residential buildings, which is also growing rapidly, necessitates a better understanding of its major influencing factors and developing a methodology for reducing energy consumption. Among various factors influencing residential building energy consumption, occupant behavior and design optimization play essential roles in the energy performance. This paper aims at drawing an analogy between the results of design optimization vis-a-vis improving users profile in terms of reduction in energy consumption. A double story bungalow located in Johor Bahru which has a hot tropical climate was used as a case study and required cooling load was calculated by using Ecotectect analysis software. Results of this study showed that structural modifications can save up to 33% of energy loss while, proper usage can reduce the loss up to 71% in cooling load. It was concluded that the conscious of tenants in using electric devices and consuming energy is much of higher importance than providing sustainable features in the house.