Monitoring household energy and water usage can provide valuable insights into building performance and occupant behaviour. The monitoring of building parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels can also be used to inform building management. Additionally, when coupled with data feedback display the information can be an important tool in helping to encourage energy and water efficient behaviour.

This report provides an introduction to the automated monitoring of residential buildings for the purpose of data collection for research purposes and end user feedback. A series of short case studies are presented describing projects from around Australia that are utilising various types performance monitoring equipment. A detailed case study of the performance monitoring activities being undertaken at the Josh’s House project in Perth, Western Australia is also provided to illustrate some of the technologies and methods available.