Changing energy behaviour in the workplace (FB 73)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Changing energy behaviour in the workplace (FB 73) was written by Mindy Hadi and published by BRE on 16 March 2015.
Companies are becoming more aware of the public relations value of the green agenda. Information on their sustainability performance is being reported on, including in annual corporate responsibility reports.
Energy use is influenced by a variety of factors: physical factors such as the building itself, its services and control systems, and also social factors that govern energy use behaviours, such as lifestyle, individual differences and group composition.
This 20-page guide discusses the impact of energy use in the workplace on both the end-user and the company. It considers the role of feedback as a change mechanism and the use of interfaces such as eco-visualisation to motivate and maintain change, using examples from BRE research.
It is aimed at small and large organisations and corporate occupants who are interested in engaging their staff in saving energy in the workplace.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Energy-saving potential in non-domestic buildings.
- The role of the end-user in energy consumption in the workplace.
- Motivating and influencing behaviour.
- Engaging the end-user in non-domestic buildings.
- Using energy consumption feedback in behaviour change.
- Automated systems - pros and cons.
- Conclusions.
- References.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Battery energy storage systems with grid-connected solar photovoltaics BR 514.
- Battery storage.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- BREEAM Reduction of energy use and carbon emissions.
- BREEAM Energy monitoring.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Changing patterns in domestic energy use FB 76.
- Flexible electrical networks for a low carbon future.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- The Future of Electricity in Domestic Buildings.
Featured articles and news
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.



























