Examining occupancy and architectural aspects affecting manual lighting control behaviour in offices based on a user survey

Abstract

Further understanding the building occupants’ needs and behaviors can reduce lighting energy consumption. This research explores how the occupancy and interior architectural aspects become effective in manual lighting control in offices. It involves a multiple sectioned questionnaire focusing on the possible architectural factors such as the desk position, the surface colours, the distance to window, the distance between desk and lighting switch, and inquiring participants’ manual lighting control behaviour through the photographs of modified interior layouts, surface colours and time intervals. Statistical methods are used to determine the significant aspects, which may reduce the use of lighting control. Interior layout, distance to window, time of the day, and number of occupants in the offices are the most significant contributions to the manual lighting control behaviour. To pay attention in these contributions, it would be possible to reduce the use of electricity for lighting while user satisfaction increases.