Experience with low-energy and passive house buildings forms the basis for the further development of zero-emission buildings. A post-occupancy evaluation of the Løvåshagen cooperative is therefore conducted by means of user surveys and measurement of indoor climate parameters, energy use and window opening time.

The goal of the post-occupancy evaluation is to obtain information about how occupants use and experience low-energy and passive house dwellings, especially with regard to heating and ventilation. In addition, the impact of user behavior on the indoor climate and energy use will be assessed.

In this paper, the results of the user survey regarding user habits and occupant satisfaction are presented.

The results show that low-energy and passive house apartments are used in ways that have a substantial impact on the indoor climate and energy use. The assessed extent of window ventilation and use of floor heating throughout the year around definitely increase energy use substantially and therefore partially explain the difference between the calculated and measured energy use. This difference will be quantified by measurements and parametric simulation in the continuation of the study.

Most respondents are satisfied or very satisfied with living in a low-energy or passive house dwelling. Nevertheless, a clear need for improvement with respect to heating and ventilation systems is detected.

It can be concluded that increased attention to the interaction between the occupant, the building design and the technical installation is needed in the development of zero-emission buildings.