The thermal preference, comfort and satisfaction: Norwegian and British workplaces

Sally Shahzad*, John Brennan, Dimitris Theodossopoulos, John Kaiser Calautit, Ben Hughes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution book

Abstract

Many researchers in thermal comfort area mainly focus on user's thermal sensation ignoring the importance of thermal preference. This study investigates the impact of thermal preference of the user on their perception of user's comfort and satisfaction. Field studies of thermal comfort were applied in two contexts of Norwegian personal offices and British open plan offices. Environmental measurements, survey questionnaires and follow up interviews were applied. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis were applied. The results indicated that overall, users' desire to adjust the thermal environment, including temperature, air quality and air movement, highly impacted their satisfaction and comfort level. Comfortable and satisfied users had no or low preference to adjust the thermal environment (temperature, air quality and air movement), while uncomfortable and dissatisfied occupants had a great preference to control the thermal environment. 89% of the satisfied and 77% of the comfortable respondents wanted either no change or a slight thermal adjustment. 100% of the dissatisfied and 100% of the comfortable participants wanted to change the temperature or ventilation. 85% of the dissatisfied and 73% of the uncomfortable respondents wanted more than a slight change. The study emphasises the importance of thermal preference in thermal comfort research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference
Subtitle of host publicationDesign to Thrive, PLEA 2017
EditorsLuisa Brotas, Sue Roaf, Fergus Nicol
Pages851-858
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780992895754
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jul 2017
Event33rd International on Passive and Low Energy Architecture Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 2017 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 Jul 20175 Jul 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of 33rd PLEA International Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 2017
Volume1

Conference

Conference33rd International on Passive and Low Energy Architecture Conference: Design to Thrive, PLEA 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period2/07/175/07/17

Keywords

  • comfort
  • field studies of thermal comfort
  • satisfaction
  • thermal preference
  • workplace

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The thermal preference, comfort and satisfaction: Norwegian and British workplaces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this