The Importance of Occupant Training in Reducing Building Energy Consumption

When it comes to energy efficiency in buildings, a lot of focus tends to be on the infrastructure—installing energy-efficient lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, or adding insulation. These are all important elements, but there’s another key factor that is often overlooked: the occupants. Whether it’s office workers, tenants in a residential complex, or employees in a manufacturing facility, how occupants use the space has a significant impact on a building's overall energy consumption. That’s where occupant training comes in.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why occupant training is crucial for reducing building energy consumption and how it can complement other sustainability efforts.

What is Occupant Training?

Occupant training refers to educating the people who use a building about how their behaviors, choices, and habits can affect energy consumption. The training typically includes guidance on using lighting, heating, cooling, and appliances efficiently, as well as understanding the building’s energy systems and how to operate them optimally.

For instance, occupants may learn about the importance of adjusting thermostats based on occupancy, using natural light whenever possible, or understanding the impact of leaving electronics and lights on when not in use.

Why is Occupant Training Important?

1. Behavioral Impact on Energy Consumption

A building's energy efficiency is only as good as the way it is used. Even the most advanced energy-saving technologies will be ineffective if occupants aren’t using them properly. A study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) found that occupants’ behaviors can account for up to 20–30% of a building’s total energy consumption. Without proper education on energy-efficient practices, users might unintentionally waste energy, rendering expensive upgrades less effective.

For example:

• HVAC Systems: In many cases, occupants may adjust thermostats to uncomfortable levels, either turning heat up in winter or cooling systems too low in summer. Training can show them how to keep temperatures within a comfort range that minimizes energy use while still providing a pleasant environment.

• Lighting: In office environments, lights are often left on in empty rooms or after working hours. Educating people about motion sensors or encouraging them to turn off lights when not in use can cut energy consumption considerably.

2. Maximizing the Efficiency of Building Systems

Modern buildings are designed with advanced systems like smart lighting, HVAC automation, and energy monitoring tools. However, these systems require a certain level of interaction from building occupants to function at their full potential.

Take smart thermostats as an example. These devices adjust the temperature based on occupancy and time of day. But if occupants aren’t trained to program them correctly or to adjust settings based on their schedules, they won’t be able to take full advantage of these smart features. Similarly, building energy management systems (BEMS) require user input to monitor and adjust energy consumption.

Occupant training helps bridge the gap between the potential of these technologies and their actual performance in everyday use.

3. Creating a Culture of Sustainability

Energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing consumption—it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability. When building occupants are actively involved in energy-saving practices, they’re more likely to adopt similar habits in other areas of their lives. This can include:

• Waste reduction

• Water conservation

• Eco-friendly transportation choices

Occupant training can be part of a broader sustainability program that encourages individuals to think about their environmental impact, both at work and at home.

4. Cost Savings for Both Occupants and Building Owners

A well-trained occupant can help lower energy bills significantly. For example, employees in an office building who are mindful of turning off lights and electronics can reduce the overall electricity demand. In commercial buildings, this can result in substantial savings in operational costs. The same principle applies to residential buildings, where tenants who understand how to use appliances and heating/cooling systems efficiently can lower both their individual energy bills and the collective energy demand of the building.

For building owners, this translates to a return on investment for energy-efficient upgrades, as the combination of technology and occupant awareness maximizes the potential energy savings.

5. Supporting LEED and Other Green Building Certifications

Occupant engagement is increasingly a key component of sustainability certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or WELL standards. These certifications recognize the role of occupants in achieving energy performance goals. In some LEED categories, such as Energy & Atmosphere or Indoor Environmental Quality, occupant education and behavior change are recognized as important strategies to improve energy efficiency.

6. Reducing the Risk of Equipment Misuse and Damage

Energy-saving systems often come with sophisticated interfaces or automated features. If occupants are not trained to use them properly, it could lead to mistakes—such as overriding automated settings or misusing energy management systems—that result in energy waste or even equipment damage. Proper occupant training ensures that the systems work as intended and that occupants know how to interact with them without disrupting their functionality.

How Can Occupant Training Be Implemented?

Now that we know why occupant training is important, the next question is: How do we implement it effectively? Here are some steps that organizations and building owners can take:

1. Create Clear, Engaging Training ProgramsDevelop easy-to-understand training materials—whether through in-person workshops, online webinars, or written guides—that explain the building’s energy systems and how to use them efficiently. Incorporate visual aids, real-world examples, and interactive elements to engage occupants.

2. Onboarding and OrientationFor new tenants or employees, make energy-efficient practices part of their onboarding process. For instance, when employees start a new job, give them a quick overview of the building's sustainability features and how they can contribute to energy savings.

3. Regular RemindersEnergy-saving behavior is built through repetition. Send out regular emails, posters, or digital messages reminding people about simple actions they can take to save energy—whether it’s turning off lights, adjusting thermostat settings, or using appliances efficiently.

4. Feedback and MonitoringConsider using energy dashboards or apps that provide feedback to occupants about their energy consumption. When people can see the direct impact of their behavior (e.g., "You’ve saved X kWh this month!"), they’re more likely to continue using energy-efficient practices.

5. Incentivize ParticipationConsider offering incentives, like discounts, prizes, or recognition, to occupants who demonstrate consistent energy-saving behaviors. Friendly competitions or team challenges can also motivate people to actively engage in reducing energy consumption.

Conclusion

Reducing energy consumption in buildings is about more than just installing the latest energy-efficient technology—it’s about creating an environment where occupants understand the value of their actions and feel empowered to make energy-conscious decisions. Occupant training is a crucial, often overlooked, piece of the puzzle that helps bridge the gap between potential and actual energy savings. By investing in occupant education and fostering a culture of sustainability, buildings can achieve significant reductions in energy use while also creating healthier, more comfortable spaces for the people who live and work in them.

In the end, a little knowledge goes a long way, and when occupants are equipped with the right tools and understanding, they can play a key role in shaping a more energy-efficient future.