1. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 1 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Housetraining Energy Efficiency From conjectures about user behaviour to an understanding of energy use in buildings

2. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 2 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Outline Conjectures about energy consumption What is the utility of energy efficiency? Who should control energy consuming devices? Understanding energy consumption The structured domain of everyday life Conclusions

3. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 3 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no I. Conjectures about user behaviour

4. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 4 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Utility Conjecture I: Users implement energy efficiency in order to save money The rebound effect But: An extended concept of utility: Individuals and even firms may actually introduce energy efficiency in order to save energy («altruistic reasons», Wiser, Fowlie and Holt 2001) “Irrationality”: Folk theories & Conspicuous energy efficiency Not every human activity involves energy consumption (e.g.: “What is comfort/convenience?”) Differentiation is needed, but what do we make out of that?

5. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 5 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Control Conjecture II: User want to control energy consumption, however, an automatic management would be more efficient Against user control In large systems optimal input-output values are only achieved using an “interpersonal” perspective In favour of user control Advanced technology has to be shut down because of user complaints (Jagemar 2002) Thus, a “balance” between control and automatic adjustment is desirable – but what does that mean?

6. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 6 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no II. Understanding Energy consumption

7. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 7 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Everyday life I We do not use energy, but we heat/cool commute to work and back travel to a conference... We prioritise actions/people/artefacts according to the meaning they have for us Most of the time we do not think at all ;-)

8. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 8 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Everyday life II The most important type of action: Stable routine Structured by repeating patterns of space and time (e.g. home-work) Exchanges: Moral and instrumental economies Technologies are «domesticated»

9. Institutt for tverrfaglige kulturstudier NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norge 11/20/03 / Page 9 thomas.berker@hf.ntnu.no Energy consumption in everyday life Study use of energy consuming devices instead of energy consumption! Most of the devices consuming most energy provide infrastructure for everyday tasks and routines Utility: Physical comfort & Mobility Two roads to energy savings: changing everyday routines to do with comfort and mobility or leaving them untouched Control: Active incorporation leads to invisible technology – domestication of automation