2.4
Comfort level
Have you ever walked into a freezing cold shopping mall or shop space which made you put on an extra piece of
clothing to keep warm? For those who wear glasses, have you ever walked out of a cold shopping mall or shop space
with your glasses all fogged up in summer? Some shopping malls and shop spaces set their air conditioning at very low
temperatures (often below 20°C) with the intention of providing a comfortably cool indoor environment for their customers.
However, a decrease in indoor temperature is not the only factor ensuring a comfortable environment. Humidity,
air speed, clothing and nature of the activity are also factors that affect human comfort.
Comfort is an expression of satisfaction with the environment in terms of thermal, lighting and acoustic factors.
After reading this section, you will understand more about the suitability of each comfort parameter.
2.4.1 Thermal comfort
“Thermal comfort” means that a person wearing a normal amount of clothing feels neither too cold nor too warm.
It is important for both one’s well-being and productivity.
Thermal comfort can be understood as follows:
COLD
COOL
WARM
HOT
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
Most people feel
most comfortable
between ±0.5
1
Figure 27 Thermal comfort diagram elaborating “seven-point thermal sensation scale” developed by
the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
1
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers. (2010). Standard 55 - Thermal
environmental conditions for human occupancy. (2010). ASHRAE Standard 55-2010. Seven-point sensation scale.
2.4
Comfort level
Statistical facts:
Seven-point thermal sensation scale
2
The basics
60 Hong Kong Green Shop Guide
