STEP 2 Development of methodologies

After segmentation of users into different groups (having certain common needs and behavior pattern) the methodological framework was developed (work package 3). The MOBISTYLE methodology was developed with the goal in mind on how to come from raw gathered sensorized data to knowledge for different identified user groups. This was based on understanding that occupant behavior is a complex process, which cannot be assessed only by a single field of science and that there is no ''one fits all'' solution. In the MOBISTYLE methodology, a multidimensional systematic approach analyses the interaction between buildings, users and energy; therefore bringing together different fields: energy and building physics, health science, anthropology, social psychology, and computer science. Detailed monitoring and information campaign parameters (objectives, data requirements, monitoring tools, information services) have been mapped, based on combined feedback about energy, IEQ and health. The MOBISTYLE methodology was developed that consists of 4 steps (see Figure 1 below):

1. Investigation of the operation of energy systems through behaviour-related data collection (building and user data monitoring) and monitoring of human presence and practices;
2. Understanding of the human behaviour (comfort, health) through user data analytics (from wearable sensors), stochastic modeling, and energy simulations;
3. Improvement of the building performance (energy, thermal comfort, IAQ) by integrating behavioral solutions (awareness campaign);
4. Development of strategies to transform different specific indicators into useful knowledge for the final users.

Figure 1: The MOBISTYLE holistic approach involving expertise for behavioral change and energy savings. Developed by Fabi, V., POLITO.

Continuous provision of easily comprehensible information will help to increase the occupant's knowledge on how their action and behavior inside the building influences building's operation: their impact on building's energy performance, indoor environment and their own personal health and productiveness. The effectiveness of the developed methodology will be assessed in order to evaluate whether the main objectives of the project were answered (attractive solutions offered to the end-users and effective combined feedback campaigns).