The influence of individual and organizational factors on the energy efficiency of office buildings: a consolidation

A significant portion of global energy demand is directly attributable to artificial lighting systems in buildings. Consequently, improving their energy efficiency is crucial for achieving current climate and environmental policy goals. However, the prevailing discrepancies between predicted and actual energy demand present a major challenge as a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing energy consumption of artificial lighting systems is still lacking. Based on minute-by-minute long-term monitoring of an open-plan office several dedicated studies have been conducted in recent years to systematically and comprehensively quantify the impact of individual and organizational factors on energy consumption. Key aspects of the research included examining workplace usage behaviours, assessing reciprocal effects on control strategies, and analysing the influence of user combinations on lighting energy demand. This approach incorporated both individual behaviour and probability-based scenarios to provide a more nuanced understanding of consumption patterns. In the following, a comprehensive consolidation and overarching interpretation of the individual results are presented. The findings highlight the critical role of integrating behavioural factors into the design and management of artificial lighting systems. By accounting for user behaviour, energy efficiency strategies can be better tailored to actual usage conditions. This comprehensive perspective not only enhances the effectiveness of lighting systems but also underscores the importance of bridging the gap between technical optimization and human individuality.