Occupant’s Thermal Perception in Mixed-mode Office Buildings of the Tropical Climate

Abstract

Thermal comfort and energy consumption in office buildings is a global critical concern. This study investigated this challenge in the Faculty of Environmental Technology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi-Nigeria. Through a field survey and physical environment measurements. The study explored occupant perceptions of thermal comfort and satisfaction. It evaluated the thermal comfort and satisfaction of occupants in a mixed-mode office building, focusing on potential discrepancies between perceived comfort and internationally recommended standards. Despite air temperatures falling outside the PMV model's comfort range, high thermal comfort, and satisfaction levels were reported by the respondents. These findings align with other studies in Nigeria, suggesting adaptation and acclimatization to local conditions. The study further examined the relationship between thermal comfort and occupant satisfaction. The result revealed a moderate positive association, suggesting increased thermal comfort leads to higher satisfaction among occupants. While thermal comfort explained 25% of the variance in satisfaction scores. Finally, the study suggests the localization of comfort standards, improved mixed-mode system performance, and encouraging evidence-based design interventions that will ultimately benefit both occupants and the environment.