Case stud of the determinants of energy use in housing for the low-income elderly

Thesis/Dissertation · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6976351

Diamond, R C

The intent of this thesis is to understand the determinants of energy use in residential buildings. A conceptual model is proposed that describes the various determinants and their interrelationships. The model is a very simple one, consisting of two causal relationships. The first is the building sequence of design, construction, and occupancy that provides the physical environment that affects energy use. The second relationship is the linkage between climate, buildings, and occupants that affects energy use. The pivotal element in the model between these two relationships is the occupants. A case study is given to illustrate how the model is used to examine energy use in a housing project for the low-income elderly. Little is known about the energy needs and uses of the elderly; the intent was that by studying this group, specific findings would lead to recommendations for improving their comfort and energy use. Individual elements in the model are examined in detail, and described by the internal and external constraints that influence design, construction, and occupant behavior, and how they, in turn, affect energy use. Because of the broad and interdisciplinary nature of the subject, diverse methods were used for collecting data.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Berkeley (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6976351
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
298000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Consumption & Utilization
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320100* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Buildings
AGE GROUPS
AGED ADULTS
BUILDINGS
CLIMATES
DESIGN
ELDERLY PEOPLE
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LOW INCOME GROUPS
MINORITY GROUPS
POPULATIONS
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS