Social Sustainability
Thermal Comfort
The condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment — the variable that drives most building energy use.
Definition
Thermal comfort is "that condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment" (ASHRAE Standard 55), determined by air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, air speed, clothing and activity. Standards define acceptable ranges (predicted mean vote models; adaptive comfort models for naturally ventilated buildings), and comfort expectations are the primary driver of heating and cooling demand — the largest share of building energy use.
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