This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.
   
  1. Comfort
  2. Thermal comfort

Thermal comfort

Features/Comfort/Feature 76

Thermal comfort

Intent: 

To promote occupant productivity and ensure a sufficient level of thermal comfort.

BACKGROUND

Thermal comfort in the body is provided through homeothermy, the balancing of heat gains and losses to maintain the body’s core temperature within its narrow range, 36-38 °C [97-100 °F], and regulated by the hypothalamus. Thermal comfort can affect mood, performance and productivity. However, temperature preferences are highly personal and differ from one individual to another. Balancing the energy requirements of large buildings with the varied occupant preferences can thus be challenging.

Part 1
Ventilated Thermal Environment

All spaces in mechanically-ventilated projects (including circulation areas) meet the design, operating and performance criteria:
a.92
ASHRAE Standard 55-2013 Section 5.3, Standard Comfort Zone Compliance.

Part 2
Natural Thermal Adaptation

All spaces in naturally-conditioned projects meet the following criteria:
a.92
ASHRAE Standard 55-2013 Section 5.4, Adaptive Comfort Model.

Part 3
Thermal Comfort in the Kitchen

The following requirements will be met at all times in the kitchen:
a.
The operative temperature in the kitchen does not exceed 80 °F.