Abstract
In this paper, we investigated the reason(s) why natural ventilation is not as popular as air-conditioned or mixed-mode ventilation systems in Green-rated office buildings in New Zealand. To achieve this, we had three objectives. Firstly, we reviewed the Green Star criteria for thermal comfort in office buildings to ascertain which ventilation system the NZ Green Star rating tool promotes. Secondly, we ascertained the perception of occupants in office buildings regarding thermal comfort. This was followed by an interview with building experts regarding factors that affect the use of natural ventilation in New Zealand offices. The findings showed that the NZ Green Star thermal comfort criteria encourage the use of mechanical ventilation over natural ventilation which results in designers opting for air conditioning systems in office designs. We observed that occupants of naturally ventilated spaces were least satisfied with the thermal comfort of their offices when compared with occupants of mixed-mode and air-conditioned offices. This study fulfils the need to encourage the use of natural ventilation in office environments by designers and building owners. Further study on other aspects of the indoor environment quality that is related to naturally ventilated systems such as lighting and noise is required in a bid to ascertain its viability in office environments.
Highlights
Gender Age Ventilated spaceFemale = 25% Under 25 = 10% naturally ventilated office spaces (NV) = 38% PercentageMale = 75% 25–35 = 22% Air Conditioned (AC) = 29%36–45 = 18% Mixed Mode (MM) = 33% Above 45 = 50%The survey questions were designed as closed-ended to provide quantifiable responses towards an indication of occupants’ preference.3.2.1
This review is focused on the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) criteria for thermal comfort in the NZ Green Star rating tool
This paper examined the reasons why natural ventilation is not a popular ventilation system in New Zealand Green office buildings
Summary
The study question was investigated through a review of literature and a field survey of office workers. For Objective 1, a review of the NZ Green Star rating tool (v3.1) concerning the criteria for thermal comfort (IEQ-6) in Green office buildings was carried out. This was supported by a literature review of research-based theories on thermal comfort. The NZ Green Star rating tool (v3.1) was selected for this critique as it is the only Green rating tool that certifies Green office buildings in New Zealand. The purpose of this is to ascertain which ventilation system the criteria encourage in Green office spaces
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