Rethinking sustainability during WFH: A survey on living environment quality and energy use

This study is trying to investigate the occupant's lifestyle change during the 'Work from Home' (WFH) in face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. It is predicted that energy use, especially electricity use in the housing sector is increasing due to longer in-home period during activities restriction. In addition, the household's way of using their thermal appliances such as air conditioner (AC), electric fan, and the ventilation ways by windows are also predicted to increase in hot and humid climate cities. For that reason, the survey was conducted during the mid of April to the end of April 2021 through the web-based questionnaires which are targeting the individual and families. First, the data collected are summarized includes the building characteristics, family structures, home appliances, lifestyle, and the ownership of thermal air conditioning system appliances. Secondly, to grasp the change in electricity use, we summarized the results about the lifestyle change related to home energy use during the period of WFH. Finally, from the results of this survey, people's concerns and awareness regarding the health and quality of the surrounding environment are increasing. This could be good momentum for authority to establish a modern society with awareness and a good quality environment. A strategy for energy distribution and increasing the use of renewable energy in household buildings is needed to meet demand and build a sustainable society.