Electricity consumption and built environment in air-conditioned buildings

Studies of electricity consumption and the built environment in two fully air-conditioned buildings have been carried out. Electricity consumptions have been gathered, and their characteristics analyzed. Site survey involving walk-through observation, questionnaire survey and measurement has been conducted to assess the indoor built environment and user behavior. Major electricity consuming items are air-conditioning and lighting, accounting for about 80 percent of the total electricity use. Areas with energy saving potential have been identified. These include raising indoor air temperature setting, waste energy recovery, perimeter zone daylighting and air-conditioning plant and building operating schedules.