Effect of Indoor Environment on Occupant Air Comfort and Productivity in Office Buildings: A Response Surface Analysis Approach

• Published in: Sustainability 2022-12, Vol.14 (23), p.15719
• Main Authors: Kaushik, Amit Kant, Arif, Mohammed, Syal, Matt M. G, Rana, Muhammad Qasim, Oladinrin, Olugbenga Timo, Sharif, Ahlam Ammar, Alshdiefat, Ala’a Saleh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 20th century; Air pollution; Air quality; Air temperature; Arid climates; Asthma; Carbon dioxide; Comfort; Corporate headquarters; Design; Employees; Environment; Environmental aspects; Environmental quality; Green buildings; Human comfort; Humidity; HVAC; Indoor air pollution; Indoor air quality; Indoor environments; Influence; Labor productivity; Noise levels; Office buildings; Outdoor air quality; Pollutants; Productivity; Remote sensors; Response surface methodology; Sick building syndrome; Statistical correlation; Surface analysis (chemical); Sustainability; United Kingdom; Urban environments; Variance analysis; Ventilation; VOCs; Volatile organic compounds
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su142315719

Indoor air quality is a significant factor influencing occupant comfort, health and productivity. Indoor air comfort and its relationship to occupant comfort and productivity are widely documented. Statistical correlation between the two has been highlighted in scientific literature. This paper investigates any unique correlations between non-air quality parameters (such as lux level, temperature, and noise level) and indoor air comfort and presents a study investigating the effect of indoor environmental quality on occupant air comfort and productivity. This study was conducted by collecting data on indoor environmental parameters using remote sensors and an online survey for occupant responses for twelve months. Data analysis was performed using Response Surface Analysis to present mathematical relationships between indoor environmental quality parameters and occupant air comfort. Results show that carbon dioxide up to 600 ppm, VOC up to 25% (by volume) and humidity up to 60% have a positive impact on occupant air comfort and productivity. Our research highlighted that some non-air quality parameters, such as outdoor temperature and lux levels, affect occupant air comfort. These results would enable built environment professionals to design and operate offices (subtropical desert climate) conducive to occupant comfort and productivity.