New energy efficient building concepts affecting human thermal comfort and sensation

Energy-efficiency seems to be one key-driver for whole building and construction industry in the future. Therefore, new construction and building service concepts are obviously needed. Most likely better thermal insulation levels and at least partly new heating and cooling solutions will be adopted. To avoid unpleasant indoor environment outcomes in future buildings, a holistic approach focusing on occupant aspects is recommended. Since thermal issues seem to be dominant cause of indoor environment complaints also in the future, it is very important to really understand true nature of both complex physical and physiological phenomena, influencing human thermal sensation and comfort. This paper aims to evaluate magnitudes and typical variations – as well as importance and dominance –of different internal and external heat transfer mechanisms of the human body.