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Optimising thermostat settings in school and office buildings for thermal comfort, cognitive performance and energy efficiency.

Author(s) : WYON D. P., WARGOCKI P.

Type of article: Periodical article

Summary

The Jevons Paradox predicts that any increase in energy efficiency will lead to an increase in energy use. This occurred recently in Denmark when the energy efficiency of domestic heating was increased by improving the thermal insulation of dwellings – there was a “Jevons rebound” in the energy used for heating as increased energy efficiency made it affordable to raise indoor temperatures. Raised temperatures and correspondingly lighter clothing mean that activity levels can vary more between occasions without the need to adjust clothing insulation to maintain thermal comfort. This article suggests that a Jevons rebound need not occur when the energy efficiency of heating or cooling in school or office buildings is increased. Research published in recent months has shown that cognitive performance is reduced as the indoor temperature is increased even if subjective thermal comfort is maintained. Thermostats should therefore be set at the lower bound of the thermal comfort range: this will save energy when heating and improve performance when either heating or cooling. Additionally, the thicker clothing that will be required means that even the small adaptive variations in activity level that occur while sedentary will be sufficient to maintain thermal comfort. These recommendations apply also to dwellings in which office work is being performed.

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