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A key challenge of the 21st century is to transform society into one that features sustainable patterns of production and consumption. To achieve this, transition processes need to be designed in key areas such as housing, mobility and nutrition. The design and large-scale implementation of sustainable product service systems (PSS) is regarded a promising approach for sustainability transitions. Real-life socio-technical experiments are an important infrastructure for designing PSS in collaboration with stakeholders and users. In this paper, we argue that transdisciplinary and action research methods are required for institutionalising an experimental set-up and developing PSS within such infrastructures. We present the Sustainable LivingLabs (SLL) research infrastructure and its methodology as an example of such experimental settings. It was collaboratively developed with key stakeholders in three consecutive research projects and applied to e.g. heating and space heating. We show new qualities of SLL in relation to existing LivingLabs and approaches for PSS design and present its methodological three-phase model (insight research, prototyping, field testing) of research. Our article contributes to knowledge on a methodological framework and tool-kit for PSS development in SLL with a clear focus on socio-ecological sustainability. Intermediate findings confirm the high influence of user practices on heating energy consumption and show starting points for PSS development: e.g. transformational products, home-automation combined with consulting along value chains. We hypothesise that developing PSS in user- and stakeholder-integrated settings supports acceptance and diffusion and, by taking into account users' social practices of utilising novelties, reduces rebound effects caused by incorrect application.
Combined heat and power (CHP) production in buildings is one of the mitigation options available for achieving a considerable decrease in GHG emissions. Micro-CHP (mCHP) fuel cells are capable of cogenerating electricity and heat very efficiently on a decentralised basis. Although they offer clear environmental benefits and have the potential to create a systemic change in energy provision, the diffusion of mCHP fuel cells is rather slow. There are numerous potential drivers for the successful diffusion of fuel cell cogeneration units, but key economic actors are often unaware of them. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of barriers, drivers and business opportunities surrounding micro-CHP fuel-cell units (up to 5 kWel) in the German building market. Business opportunities have been identified based not only on quantitative data for drivers and barriers, but also on discussions with relevant stakeholders such as housing associations, which are key institutional demand-side actors. These business opportunities include fuel cell contracting as well as the development of a large lighthouse project to demonstrate the climate-neutral, efficient use of fuel cells in the residential building sector. The next step could involve the examination and development of more detailed options and business models. The approach and methods used in the survey may be applied on a larger scale and in other sectors.
Many technical solutions have been developed to enhance the energy efficiency in buildings. However, the actual effectiveness and sustainability of these solutions often do not correspond to expectations because of the missing perspective of design, user's real needs, and unconsidered negative side effects of their use (rebounds). With the aim to help address these challenges, this paper presents results of a longitudinal living lab study and proposes a user-centered building management system (UC-BMS) as a prototype for office buildings. Based on mixed methods, UC-BMS was co-developed, tested, and evaluated in Germany in up to six office buildings, 85 offices, and within two heating periods. The results demonstrate that such user-oriented approach can save up to 20% of energy while maintaining or even improving comfort and work productivity. The findings show three main areas of intervention and elements of UC-BMS: (1) How interactive design and feedback systems (e.g., air quality) can stimulate ventilation practices and energy efficiency in offices and (2) supporting heating system optimization e.g., by better understanding office behavior. (3) Finally, an office comfort survey was conducted to enable communication between facility management and office users and thus limiting complaints and adapting the heating system towards actual office user needs.
The energy challenges of overcoming climate change and economic and global political crises require not only the increased integration of renewable energies but also an optimisation of energy generation and use and, as a result, a reduction in energy consumption in various sectors. Thermal energy consumption in buildings in particular accounts for a significant proportion of final energy consumption. With respect to commercial buildings, a central problem in optimising the system settings is the lack of or only limited information about the actual room temperatures as well as the comfort requirements and temperature perception of the users in the rooms on the one hand and the operational management and settings specified by the facility management, for example, the heating curves of the heating circuits, on the other. The aim here is to create a bidirectional flow of data and information so that the compromise between the necessary room temperatures and the comfort of the users and the most energy-efficient operational management possible can be achieved. In this context, the paper presents a developed and tested web platform that makes it possible to optimise the operation of the system technology, particularly the heating system in the building, from an energy point of view and to involve the building user (e.g., office employees) and to pass on information to the facility management, thus pursuing a holistic approach. In the associated Living Lab project (called ComfortLab), it was possible to obtain over 6500 votes on temperature perception and combine this with building operation and the parameters relevant to facility management. This made it possible to bridge the gap between user requirements and room temperatures on the one hand and energy consumption and the inlet temperature of the heating system and supply circuits on the other. The use of the platform makes it possible to optimise the setpoint specification, specifically the inlet temperature of individual heating circuits, considering both regular building operation at times of presence and the setting of weekend and night setback times. The results show a diversified picture regarding temperature perception and possible room temperature reductions of several degrees Celsius and energy savings in the double-digit percentage range.
