END-USER ACCEPTANCE OF DOMESTIC LOW-ENERGY, PASSIVE AND ZERO-ENERGY BUILDINGS IN THE NETHERLANDS
THORSTEN SCHUETZE1, GER DE VRIES2, SYLVIA JANSEN3
1Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Architecture, www.tudelft.nl
2 V&L Consultants
3 Delft University of Technology, OTB, www.tudelft.nl
ABSTRACT
The presented research aims to answer the question to which degree so-called low-energy, passive and zero-energy houses in the Netherlands are accepted by end-users. The satisfaction levels of inhabitants have been investigated regarding different comfort criteria. The total energy consumption of the investigated houses (low-energy, passive and zero-energy), have been compared amongst each other and with the total mean energy consumption of Dutch households. The comparison of the total end-energy and primary-energy consumptions of low-energy, passive and zero-energy houses shows, that there are differences, which can be assigned to the energy efficiency of the houses and to different systems for heating and hot water production. Generally, energy efficient houses in the Netherlands are well accepted by the inhabitants and perceived as comfortable. However, the perceived comfort can vary. The presented research tries to identify the reasons for higher and lower comfort levels.
