Indoor comfort management and energy consumption in Arctic buildings: Occupant perceptions in an indigenous community of Canada

• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111300
• Publication Date: 2024-02-16T16:58:39Z
• Authors: Alice Cavalerie; David Dumas; Louis Gosselin
• Keywords: Consumption

Arctic and subarctic communities currently face major unique energy housing challenges. However, the perceptions, needs, adaptive strategies of occupants related to consumption comfort in their dwellings are not well known. In this study, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted Inuit community Quaqtaq (Nunavik, Quebec, Canada) investigate occupants' experiences, observations, perceptions on these topics. The topics discussed covered comfort, window opening, use curtains, usage thermostats, water, lighting. Furthermore, awareness renewable technologies was investigated, shared vision ideal home. It found that windows thermostats often used simultaneously regulate temperature non-uniform distribution cold floors noted by occupants. Due limited amount water available, coordination with neighbors needed for activities requiring water. Awareness interest savings varied significantly among participants. Participants mentioned home would have better insulation, larger tanks, more storage space. These results help understand occupant behavior, patterns, well-being houses northern can guide development future units.