Energy, comfort, control and productivity relationships in the commercial office environment

Abstract

This study examines the relationship of energy, comfort, control and productivity (ECCP) variables, within the commercial office environment. Previous research undertaken primarily in the United Kingdom, shows a positive relationship between comfort, control and productivity within the built environment. Energy efficiency has also been associated with positive comfort, control and productivity. This study evaluates the ECCP relationships to determine any link between the variables and the potential impact that this link may have on the building occupants. To determine the most appropriate research approach, several studies were examined to assess the most practical and encompassing ECCP study methodology. The final methodology chosen was based on the recently completed PRORF 1 study, undertaken in the United Kingdom. The relationships between ECCP were examined within eight office buildings; four in the United Kingdom and four in New Zealand. The occupants within the four New Zealand buildings were surveyed via a questionnaire to determine their comfort, control and productivity levels. Utility readings were also gathered for those buildings to provide the energy usage data. A consistent relationship was found between the CCP variable levels in both the best and the worst measured office buildings. The relationship between energy and CCP was harder to determine. The building that scored the best in the CCP categories was also the most energy efficient. To validate this relationship will require a larger sample of buildings and further research to determine a more appropriate means of benchmarking the energy consumption levels between buildings.