Thermal health refers to the broader impact of indoor temperature and humidity on human health and well-being, going beyond the traditional idea of thermal comfort.
Understanding Thermal Health and Its Importance
Thermal comfort focuses on subjective satisfaction with temperature, as defined by models like Ole Fanger’s, which aim to ensure 80% of occupants are comfortable based on factors such as air temperature, humidity, and clothing insulation. However, thermal health takes a broader view, recognizing that poorly regulated temperatures can lead to serious health consequences, including heat-related illnesses and mortality.
The 2003 heatwave in France, which caused nearly 15,000 deaths, highlights the crucial importance of thermal health, especially as climate change increases the frequency of extreme temperature events. Inadequate indoor cooling can exacerbate outdoor heat, endangering vulnerable populations. Therefore, considering thermal health is essential, not only for comfort but also for public health.
Impact of Thermal Conditions on Health and Performance
Poor indoor temperature regulation has a profound impact on health. When indoor temperatures rise too high or fluctuate significantly, occupants experience symptoms such as headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.
Hot and humid environments also promote mold growth, which can worsen asthma and allergies, while cold and dry environments can facilitate the spread of viruses like the flu.
Furthermore, research shows that high indoor temperatures contribute to “sick building syndrome”, which affects cognitive function and increases absenteeism.
Temperature also impacts learning and performance. In fact, research among New York high school students found that standardized test performance significantly decreased when tests were taken in hot weather, demonstrating how important maintaining optimal indoor conditions is for learning and productivity.
Building Design and Mechanical Systems for Thermal Health
Building mechanical systems, particularly air conditioning and ventilation systems, play a critical role in maintaining thermal health. However, in many buildings, these systems are inadequate or poorly designed. Air conditioning can effectively reduce indoor heat and humidity, but if systems are inefficient or absent, indoor spaces can become hotter than outdoor environments, especially during heatwaves.
This problem is further exacerbated in urban areas, where “heat islands” amplify outdoor temperatures, and in buildings with poor ventilation strategies.
One approach to improving thermal health is to decouple ventilation systems from heating and air conditioning functions, allowing for better control over temperature and air quality.
Advanced building designs that optimize insulation, ventilation, and cooling can make indoor spaces more resilient to temperature changes and heat events. Good insulation, for example, helps maintain stable indoor temperatures by minimizing heat exchange with the outdoor environment.
@CAMPUS CONTERN is:
- We optimize insulation, ventilation, and the distribution of hot/cold air within the building to maintain a good humidity/temperature balance.
- We use central heating, but each office can manage the temperature by +/- 2°C for subjective comfort.
- We ensure a maximum difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures to respect how the body functions: too large a difference can be dangerous when people go out for their break.
- We pay special attention to mold and humidity, as we know they can also be harmful to tenants and detrimental to the building’s structure.
Our Goal:
- To ensure our tenants benefit from a healthy and safe working environment. They spend a lot of time in our buildings, and it is our responsibility to do our best to reduce the causes of fatigue and absenteeism, and to promote concentration and performance.
- To protect our tenants from chronic diseases and play our part in the National Health Plan.
Source: “The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building” Harvard School of Public Health – forhealth.org