An ASHRAE grant program is funding the creation of a database to help better understand human thermal comfort in residential and commercial buildings.
The grants, totaling $180,000, are awarded to full-time graduate students of ASHRAE-related technologies. The project will identify previous thermal comfort and occupant responses in residential and commercial buildings worldwide.
The resulting international database will include measurements of all the physical conditions affecting thermal comfort (air temperature, humidity, air movement, radiant temperature and occupant clothing and metabolic rate). In addition, subjective surveys (thermal sensation, comfort, perceived air quality, and wherever possible, adaptive behavior and interaction with building controls) will be tallied and included.
The database is expected to be used to analyze trends in thermal comfort and behavior patterns and evaluate current comfort prediction tools. It will take into consideration relevance to different building types, climates, cultures, and demographics.
Related Stories
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Urban Planning | Jul 8, 2019
U.S. cities experience ‘Doppler shift’ in walkable urban development
The walkability trend is spreading to urbanizing suburbs.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Construction workers need continuous skills upgrades
A report by Autodesk and Deloitte focuses on how workers can succeed in an automated world.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Updated standard for liquid applied flashing for exterior wall openings released
AAMA document establishes minimum performance requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 27, 2019
Public restrooms being used for changing clothes, phone conversations, and 'getting away'
About 60% of Americans use a public restroom one to five times a week, according to the latest annual hand washing survey conducted by Bradley Corporation.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2019
Green Globes 2019 accepted as a revised American National Standard
Advances include language on resilience, life cycle cost analysis, moisture control analysis, health, and effectiveness.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2019
Reports from Intl. Code Council focus on expanding use of shipping containers as building materials
Three companies show compliance for using containers for housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2019
Report explores potential for rope-less and multidirectional elevators in tall buildings
Technology can enable cities to be more interconnected, efficient, and accessible.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2019
USGBC-LA launches Net Zero Accelerator
Goal is to enable building tech market adoption for a net positive future.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2019
BREEAM USA In-Use standard to be released this fall
Will expand to include residential and multifamily for assessment and certification.
