The effects of cooling on thermal comfort, perceived air quality, SBS-symptoms and self estimated productivity in 8 Finnish office buildings

In Finland eight office buildings were investigated as a part of European project HOPE..There were four office buildings with mechanical supply and exhaust air ventilation systemfrom 1970 and 80 without cooling system. The four other buildings had cooling systems;one with traditional central air conditioning system with cooled supply air system, the threeothers had chilled ceiling or beams in each office rooms. Altogether 800 office employeesfilled and returned the questionnaire. The difference between two building groups inperceived thermal comfort and perceived IAQ was approximately one unit in 7-point scale.The thermal environment was perceived much more comfortable and perceived air qualitymuch better in buildings with mechanical cooling system than in buildings without anycooling. The SBS index was 60% higher in buildings without cooling. The effect of indoorclimate on self- estimated productivity was negative in buildings without cooling even duringwintertime and during summertime even 6 %. These results show clearly the benefits of betterroom temperature control even in cold climate beneficial effects on office work performance.