A partnership between design firm JLL and Purdue University has found that providing easy access to lighting and thermal controls improves energy efficiency in an office environment.
In addition to studying the impact of easy-to-access controls on workplace energy consumption, researchers are also measuring how a personalized indoor environment impacts occupant comfort and productivity. One goal is to develop algorithms that can learn occupant preferences accurately and efficiently so that automated systems predict how individuals want to tailor their space for optimal comfort.
To date, the research has found a correlation between higher utilization of daylight and decreased energy consumption for participants with easy access to lighting controls. Participants reported higher levels of self-evaluated productivity in customized environments and demonstrated better performance in cognitive tests when thermal and lighting conditions were attuned to their needs.
Researchers now plan to implement a prototype of an automated, algorithmic-based control system in actual office environments.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2019
Virginia county hones new rainwater harvesting standard
Developer prompts new rules to use rainwater for heating and air conditioning.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2019
AAMA updates two specifications for test methods related to seismic drift
For evaluating window wall, curtain wall and storefront systems.