Course timetable optimization for a university teaching building considering the building energy efficiency and time-varying thermal perception of students

Building energy efficiency and time-varying thermal perception of students are usually less considered when arranging courses, which can lead to energy wastage and student discomfort. In order to achieve carbon neutrality in university buildings, this study aimed to optimize the course timetable by considering the building energy efficiency and students’ time-varying thermal perception. First, the thermal perceptions of students in different classes were investigated using questionnaires and indoor and outdoor thermal environments were monitored. Then, different thermal environment scenarios were established based on survey data. Finally, a co-simulation model was established to optimize the course timetable of a teaching building during the autumn semester. The following results were obtained: (1) The course timetable optimization that considered both building energy efficiency and time-varying thermal comfort could achieve 16.9% energy savings. (2) When time-varying thermal perceptions were considered, more courses were arranged in the first class during the afternoon because the heating set-point temperature was relatively low. (3) An increasing amount of energy would be saved through course timetable optimization as the thermal comfort level decreased; however, the increase in the energy-saving rate decreased. (4) During the months with low outdoor temperatures, the energy-saving effect achieved by course timetable optimization was more notable.