Evaluation of energy performance and indoor environmental quality in a retrofitted daycare center using a living lab approach

This study analyzed the interaction between energy performance, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), and occupant behavior in a retrofitted daycare center using a living lab approach with remote monitoring. While energy efficiency retrofit reduces greenhouse gas emissions, its effectiveness is often limited by the Energy Performance Gap caused by occupant behavior. Despite the increasing interest in retrofits, few studies have examined the integrated interactions between energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), and occupant behavior using real-world operational data.

This study addresses this gap by assessing the energy consumption, IAQ, and occupant behavior in a retrofitted daycare center using a living laboratory approach. The findings confirm that retrofit strategies effectively improved building energy performance, resulting in a 24.83 % reduction in energy consumption, and reduced sensitivity to outdoor temperature variations. Additionally, occupancy rates fluctuated by 35 %, reflecting significant differences in occupant behavior, even within same-purpose spaces, which influenced both energy efficiency and IEQ. These results highlight the need for behavior-informed strategies in retrofit planning and building operation.

Unlike conventional studies that focus on energy savings, this study integrates dynamic occupancy and ventilation behavior into the assessment of energy performance and IEQ, highlighting the importance of implementing tailored sensor systems. Furthermore, integrating multi-room sensor data provides insights into energy management strategies and improves data reliability for informed decision-making. By proposing a scalable real-world monitoring framework, this study establishes a replicable model for evaluating the retrofit performance across diverse buildings, emphasizing cost-effective sensor optimization for future applications.