Chapter 8: Developing Occupancy Influence Coefficients in Commercial Buildings Using Energy Modeling and Simulation of Human Behavior

Global demand for energy has been rising at accelerating rates over the past decade while fossil fuels are becoming scarce with soaring prices. The resulting energy crisis, coupled with global warming repercussions, is motivating developed countries to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, buildings are responsible for 30–40% of global energy use, and a similar percentage of greenhouse gas emissions [1]. Furthermore, over the life cycle of buildings, more than 80% of the energy consumed occurs during the operational phase to meet various energy needs such as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC), lighting, water heating, and various equipment loads [2]. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate and understand the energy performance of commercial buildings during design and operation phases in an effort to increase their energy efficiency and conservation.