Saving energy with a better indoor environment

The analysis in this paper is based on literature reviews, qualitative research and a quantitative survey of 2,313 British households. The aim is to enhance understanding of the needs that people meet in using energy. In particular, we seek to connect energy use with indoor environmental quality and comfort in a way that can promote both energy savings and good indoor environments. We also examine comfort not simply as the thermal state of individuals but in terms of the actions of groups of individuals, in the context of conflicting needs. We categorize the needs of building users under headings of Other people, Comfort (not only thermal comfort), Hygiene, Resource and Ease. These factors discriminate among population groups in a way that can be used to inform the design and implementation of heating arrangements for homes.