Evaluation of Thermal Sensation in Office Buildings: A Case Study in the Mediterranean

The existing institutional frameworkis expressing, both in Europe and in Greece, the strong drive for improving the existing buildings stock, by means of compulsory measures, as buildings account for almost 40% of the primary energy consumption in Europe. Especially, when referring to office buildings, the existence of increased cooling requirement accounts for very high consumption values (up to 60% of the overall), whilst at the same time the occupants experience significant levels of discomfort. Therefore, the occupants' well-being as well as their productivity are affected.Within the framework of this study, an evaluation of both thermal comfort and indoor air quality conditions is carried in two office buildings. Both buildings are located in northern Greece and were constructed after 1980 and before 2010, in accordance with the first Greek Thermal Insulating Regulation. In situ measurements were carried during the winter period for the one building and the summer for the other. The measured parameters are the air temperature, the humidity levels and the levels of CO2 emissions specifying the indoor conditions. Furthermore, a revealed preference survey was conducted in order to specify the parameters affecting the occupants' reaction concerning the indoor thermal conditions through the usage of regression model analysis.The interpretation of occupants' reaction to indoor conditions and the human's sensation of thermal comfort,based on monitoring the existing environmental conditions and determining probable correlation with individual characteristics are very promising.