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 | Jan 19, 2022
Canada’s Trudeau seeking building codes changes, net-zero emissions building strategy
Prime minister also wants net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
