Integrated analysis of physical and behavioral drivers of water consumption in university student housing

a study via post-occupancy evaluation and telemetry

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the physical and behavioral factors influencing household water consumption in an university student housing (USH) facility, integrating Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) and telemetry monitoring to identify variables that modulate water demand. This combined methodology was utilized to identify the main physical and socio-demographic factors that modulate water demand. The telemetry system revealed and enabled the rapid correction of critical leaks in flush valves, which were causing excessive consumption, resulting in the stabilization of the Per Capita Consumption Index (CI). This CI was then correlated with the residents' socioeconomic data and consumption habits, collected via the questionnaire. The walkthrough confirmed the presence of construction pathologies (waterproofing failure) and project gaps (vague technical memoranda). The POE indicated that while the number of residents influences total consumption, age does not correlate with the per capita CI, though gender appears to be a modulating factor. The main user demand is the installation of additional showers, and the high subsidy rate, coupled with the students’ previous housing context, suggests the need for awareness campaigns to combat behavioral waste.