In-use monitoring of buildings:an overview of data collection methods

A great number of low carbon technologies have been developed in the last decades. The use of such technologies promises good indoor environment for the building's occupants, lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, there are uncertainties related to payback periods and usability constraints of low carbon technologies. In addition, past and current research has shown differences between the expected and the actual performance of buildings, both in terms of energy consumption and indoor comfort. For a better understanding of differences between expected and actual performance of buildings, it is necessary to investigate the energy consumption, the behaviour of the occupants and their interaction with new technologies, and the resulting indoor comfort. Monitoring building performance can help to reduce the uncertainties related to the building performance of buildings. This paper presents an overview and classification of data collection methods to monitor the energy consumption, thermal comfort of occupants and the operation of buildings in use. Data collection methods and techniques are categorised and linked to specific methods to evaluate building performance and recommendations are made to set up building monitoring research. By identifying the most effective methods to monitor buildings, this research aims at embedding performance monitoring in standard practice