Indoor climate assessment: A case study at a business incubation centre

This paper reports on an indoor environmental quality audit performed in two buildings of Instituto Pedro Nunes, a business incubation centre linked to the University of Coimbra, in Portugal. The study started with an analysis of the current situation using two approaches: subjective, based on occupant surveys, and objective, through the measurement and analysis of thermal comfort and indoor air quality parameters, during both the summer season and the winter season. From this study resulted that the performance of the building systems is acceptable for the majority of the occupants, but the level of energy consumption does not necessarily translate into an improved occupants' comfort. A set of simple improvement measures is proposed aimed at addressing some complaints regarding thermal discomfort while promoting potentially large energy savings of up to 57%.