RESET: why building energy controls are wrongly operated.

The objective of the RESET project was to quantify the savings that could be made by resetting the energy related controls of buildings to their original or optimum settings. The method was to identify a range of office buildings and carry out energy and management audits. Advice was given on incorrectly set controls, and estimates were made of the potential savings if the controls were set correctly. Cost savings of between 10% and 30% were almost always identified and could be made at little or no cost. In spite of these benefits, practically none of the organisations changed their controls. Many organisations showed a defensive attitude and did not welcome the information provided to them. The study then investigated the reasons for this apparently unreasonable behaviour. The research team, led by ECO Energy and Environment Ltd found that there was strong demotivation for changing from the status quo, and little or no reason for making improvements. The project is currently investigating how to overcome these demotivating elements so that the undoubted savings will be made. The project is being supported by both Government and private sector companies. It shows that understanding the needs and motivations of the building user is essential in order to obtain the expected performance.