In the pursuit of energy-efficient homes, one often overlooked factor is the role of shading and how occupants interact with it. A recent study published in the journal *Buildings & Cities* (which translates to *Cities and Buildings* in English) sheds light on this very issue, offering insights that could reshape how we approach residential energy modeling and design. Led by Magdalena Baborska-Narożny from the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the research delves into the nuances of shading practices in low-energy homes and their impact on energy performance.
The study focuses on the often-ignored “energy performance gap”—the discrepancy between predicted and actual energy use in buildings. By examining five occupied low-energy homes built to the same specifications, Baborska-Narożny and her team identified the contextual drivers behind inhabitants’ shading practices and their subsequent effects on thermal and energy performance.
“Inhabitants’ shading practices are far from uniform and are influenced by a variety of factors, including personal preferences, seasonal changes, and specific triggers,” explains Baborska-Narożny. “This variability significantly impacts the thermal–energy nexus, which is often oversimplified in current modeling approaches.”
The research employed dynamic thermal modeling and airflow network modeling to simulate scenarios based on inhabitants’ lived experiences. By comparing tailored shading usage models with a default model, the team quantified the impacts on heating energy and overheating mitigation. The findings revealed that current energy codes and static models, which rely on average inhabitant practices, may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.
“This study demonstrates why practitioners should aim to better understand and account for the variability of user actions involving the use of shading and window opening,” Baborska-Narożny emphasizes. “The significant impact of shading on annual energy balance needs attention as a design issue.”
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. By incorporating more accurate shading models into building design and energy codes, developers and policymakers can limit the reliance on energy-consuming technologies like air-conditioning. This shift could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions, benefiting both occupants and the environment.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, this research underscores the importance of considering human behavior in energy modeling. By bridging the gap between technical specifications and real-world usage, we can create more efficient, comfortable, and sustainable living spaces. The study’s findings challenge the status quo and pave the way for more nuanced and effective approaches to residential energy optimization.