Lu Aye; Charters, WWS; Chiazor, M & Robinson, J 2006 'Measurement of indoor environmental quality in buildings with energy efficient design features', Rethinking Sustainable Construction 2006 (RSC06): Next Generation Green Buildings, 12th Rinker International Conference,19-22 September 2006, Sarasota, Florida. pp. 1-31.

Abstract

The linkages between energy efficient design features and indoor environmental quality are explored with regard to behaviour of building users. The physical and environmental conditions in office buildings are investigated in the light of the hypothesis that occupants’ comfort and overall satisfaction is influenced by certain energy efficient design features and indoor environmental quality. A method is discussed to evaluate the effects of energy efficient design features in office buildings, such as building orientation, open-plan office, day-lighting and double-glazing on indoor environmental quality parameters, such as temperature and relative humidity, lighting and sound pressure levels on occupants’ overall perception of comfort and satisfaction in new office buildings. The paper gives equal emphasis to the application of quantitative and qualitative procedures. The paper also shows results from a pilot study of two buildings, one having a range of energy efficient design features. Preliminary analysis and discussion of the findings indicate a significant role for the cognitive state and psychological factors of the users when individually describing their impression of design features and the indoor environment.

Keywords: Office building; Occupant; Thermal comfort, Satisfaction; Indoor environmental quality; Energy efficiency features.