Setting the air conditioning too high in an office is not only irresponsible from an energy use standpoint, it also degrades employee productivity.
There is strong data to back that premise. The director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University pointed to a study that found offices with temperatures in the low 70s reduced the output of employees and led to increased mistakes.
The study measured the number of keystrokes employees typed in an office. In a 78F environment, workers produced more than twice as many keystrokes as those in a 70-degree environment. Productivity rose along with temperature in a linear fashion into the high 70s. It began to drop when temperatures reached the mid-80s.
The cold is distracting, with people doing things like rubbing their hands together for warmth. This issue may be impacted by the increased popularity of lighter, more casual wear in the office. De facto cooling temperature standards of 68F to 72F were established in the 1960s when business suits were the dominant office attire.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 20, 2018
Home values and local tax revenues at risk from high tide flooding, scientists group says
Analysis of property data identifies communities prone to frequent flooding.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2018
Structural engineered wood products exempt from new EPA formaldehyde ruling
Exempt products include structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB).
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2018
Seattle City Council repeals controversial new per-worker tax on large employers
Measure was aimed at raising $50 million for homeless services, affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2018
Hardscape from development makes ‘1,000-year’ flood in Maryland worse
Impermeable concrete made it easier for water to overwhelm drainage system.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2018
United States Resiliency Council announces support for Calif. earthquake resiliency bill
Measure would help cities identify structures that could fail in major quake.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2018
Congestion pricing for cars is effective in reducing traffic, but a difficult sell
After three years, traffic congestion declined by 30% in London.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2018
First RFP requiring modular construction on New York City housing project issued
Part of Housing 2.0 modular construction initiative.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
Buffalo, N.Y., contractor exec pleads guilty to fraud for bid rigging on $750 million contract
LPCiminelli stops functioning as GC in fallout from the case.
Codes and Standards | Jun 6, 2018
LEED should be updated to combat climate change
Hasn’t kept pace with urgency of problem, says clean energy investor.
Codes and Standards | Jun 5, 2018
Sports stadiums and arenas showcase sustainability features
Green venues save owners money, gain positive publicity.
