Big Data: A Decade of Energy Characteristics of Single-Family Homes in Florida

Housing in Florida is mainly driven by population growth of between 300,000 and 400,000 people per year, which makes Florida the third largest homebuilding state in the U.S. This high rate of population growth sheds light on the importance of building healthy residential houses that are energy-efficient throughout all of Florida, in all its climate zones. The purpose of this study is to investigate the direction Florida's single-family homes constructed between the years 2009 and 2018 are taking with respect to energy efficiency by analyzing their energy characteristics through big data analysis. Therefore, this study (a) developed a comprehensive literature review of the existing energy-efficient design strategies adopted in Florida. In addition, (b) explained the process of collecting information about materials and design strategies used in single-family houses constructed between the years 2009 and 2018, from energy forms prepared in the framework of the permit application process at every local building permit department in different counties all over Florida. Finally, (c) analyzed the evolution of information collected throughout the years, including but not limited to wall types, ceiling types, ducts' location, windows' features, heating and cooling systems, in the different climate zones of Florida influencing the building performance. The results of this big data analysis indicated that, on the average, single-family homes in Florida tended to get more energy-efficient and sustainable throughout the last decade (2009 - 2018). This conclusion cannot be totally confirmed unless all economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability are also taken into consideration.