UC Berkeley

Building occupants behave in various adaptive ways to restore thermal comfort when in a state of thermal discomfort. These adaptive actions affect building energy use and indoor environmental quality. This paper reports part of a draft risk study, here we focus on potential adaptive behaviour to counteract discomfort in rooms with displacement ventilation (DV) and underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems. The most likely adaptive behaviours to be taken are: adjust clothing, open/close windows, adjust thermostat and change workstation. No conclusive relationship was found on whether these behaviours are influenced by overall or ankle thermal sensation. Females stated more frequently than males that they would open/close windows, while more males expressed the intention to use heaters and complain to building managers.