2017 - Environmental quality of the building
Métroclim
Site : Administration building of the University of Reunion Island, North Campus
Program : METROCLIM research project " Changing practices for using air conditioning in tertiary buildings in DROMs: An experiment on Reunion Island. "
Amount of Work : –
Area : Surface utile des 85 bureaux étudiés : 1568 m²
Mission : Surveying users, noting practices, habits, opinions, and carrying out a quantitative analysis / Reporting and valuing the results of the socio-technical study
Project Owner : PACTE (AQC) / ADEME / EDF
Project manager : COSTIC, Université de La Réunion, Imageen, Energie Concept, LEU Réunion
A new process to encourage air-conditioning savings
The METROCLIM principle consists of allocating energy expenditure in tertiary buildings on the basis of the temperature measurement required. This innovative process integrates three functions to encourage frugal use: regulation, the consumption displayed on the regulating device itself and messages to encourage energy-saving behaviour.
Experimentation of the process on buildings at the University of Reunion Island
The purpose of the study is to try to answer these two questions:
- Is the process of allocating energy expenditure by measuring comfort demand well accepted by users ?
- L’affichage de la répartition de la dépense d’énergie provoque-t-il une modification du comportement qui impacte la consommation de l’immeuble ?
The work consisted of designing prototypes of the control and data processing system of the GTC, producing them and installing them in three office buildings that house the University's administrative services.
It was then necessary to carry out an energy follow-up to assess the impact, record the actions of the thermostats over the days to identify patterns of use and conduct socio-technical surveys among office users to characterize the acceptability, the perception of the process and the statements that may come from their confrontation with this installation.
A proof of concept
The results of the study constitute a proof of concept of the METROCLIM principle. Another proof can be found in an American meta-study that identifies numerous studies as behavioural follow-ups in relation to energy metering in the habitat. One of the conclusions can be extended to the tertiary sector :
The most energy-efficient behaviours come from consumer appliances that have :
- A clearly legible count display in front of the eyes,
- Immediate feedback as a result of an adjustment action
- Proximity of the display and the means of action, within easy reach.
With the METROCLIM solution, regulation-regulation-display of the count are integrated.
This will require involving users to adapt their behaviour over time. The METROCLIM process and the incentive thermostats that emit indications for attentive behaviour will be able to provide new qualities of use.