RP-821 -- Field Study of Occupant Comfort and Office Thermal Environments in a [Cold] Climate PDF

This report presents the findings of ASHRAE research project RP-821; a field study of occupant comfort and office thermal environments in 12 mechanically ventilated office buildings in southern Quebec. This study is the third of a series of ASHRAE projects (RP- 462 and RP-702) which investigated the indoor environment in temperate and hot-humid climates.

A total of 877 subjects were surveyed during the hot summer months of June, July, and August and the cold winter months of January, February, and March. Each interview provided a set of responses to a questionnaire and a set of physical indoor climatic measurements (from mobile instrumentation). Metabolic rate and clothing insulation estimates were based on the methods of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-92. Since all subjects were seated, the incremental effect of chairs was included in the clo value estimates.

The measured and calculated thermal environmental results were compared with the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 and with the ISO 7730 guidelines. Thermal neutrality, thermal preference, and thermal acceptability results were compared with existing models (laboratory-based) and standards. Gender, ethnicity, season, length of residence in Canada, health, and acclimatization were examined as to their effect on thermal response to the indoor climate. Job satisfaction and perceived levels of environmental control were also examined with respect to subjective assessments of indoor climatic conditions.