Energy efficiency through occupant behaviour: air conditioning at Salah Boubnider University

This study investigates the significant impact of occupant behaviour on reducing air conditioning energy consumption in institutional buildings, using Salah Boubnider University Constantine 3 in Algeria as a case study. Employing integrated methodologies that combine numerical simulations and empirical data analysis, the research demonstrates that a simple behavioural adjustment raising air conditioning setpoints to 26°C can reduce energy consumption by up to 46% equivalent to a drop from 115,894 kWh (baseline) to 62 076 kWh. In contrast, structural improvements, such as implementing double glazing and enhanced insulation, achieve only slightly lower savings of 43%, but at a substantially higher cost and longer implementation period. These findings underscore occupant behaviour as a pivotal factor in achieving immediate, accessible, and cost-effective energy savings. The study recommends prioritising behavioural interventions through targeted awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and policy enforcement, which collectively offer considerable potential for reducing energy consumption and associated carbon dioxide emissions in institutional settings.