Rethinking the role of occupant behavior in building energy performance: A review

•A basic and comprehensive picture of research on occupant behavior and building energy performance is presented by systematic review of the literature.•Four critical research topics are identified.•Energy-saving potential of occupant behavior is discussed and estimated to be in the range of 10%−25% for residential buildings and 5%−30% for commercial buildings.•Four existing research gaps are identified and discussed.