Perceived and actual thermal conditions: case studies of green-rated and conventional office buildings in the City of Adelaide

Abstract

Occupants in ‘green’ buildings have high expectations; generally anticipating improved comfort conditions, an element which also impacts on their perceived health and productivity levels. This paper presents a recent post-occupancy evaluation of a number of ‘green-rated’ and ‘non-green-rated’ commercial office buildings in Adelaide, South Australia. Occupant surveys and internal environment monitoring were conducted to assess the perceived and actual thermal, visual and aural comforts, and also health and productivity. This paper focuses on occupants’ satisfaction in response to seasonal temperature conditions with survey results showing that green-rated buildings exhibit equal and in some cases decreased occupant satisfaction of internal thermal conditions when compared to non-green-rated buildings. Responses to thermal comfort questions were reviewed against actual temperature measurements logged within the buildings. It was found that altering building temperature set points based on ASHRAE Standard 55-2013 would likely result in improved occupant satisfaction of thermal conditions with the potential to reduce energy consumption.