OP_REF_Indoor Environment Part I
GSAS-OP Refresher Course
Keyword(s)
thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, daylight, views, acoustics, on-site measurements, measurements considerations, occupant survey, air temperature, relative humidity, air speed, IESNA, lux levels, occupant satisfaction, survey
Publisher
Gulf Organisation for Research & Development
Description
The Indoor Environment considers several criteria:
• Thermal comfort is the condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment.
• There are two indoor air quality requirements the room or space must maintain for the occupants. The first requirement is the air in the breathing zones should conform to the local health standards tolerance for a health risk. The second requirement is the supply air and recirculated air in the space, as perceived by occupants, must be fresh and pleasant rather than stale, stuffy and irritating.
• Lighting at work is critical to the wellbeing and security of everybody utilizing the work environment. Poor lighting can influence the health of people at work causing side effects such as eye fatigue, headache and migraines. It is also connected to ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ in new and renovated buildings. Side effects of this incorporate cerebral pains, laziness, crabbiness and poor focus. Poor lighting in the workplace can have negative impacts on productivity and efficiency which may result in increased absenteeism.
• Daylight. Based on research studies among staff, daylight has been associated with reduced stress, improved performance and reduced errors, reduced absenteeism, increased positive attitude, reduced fatigue and improved job satisfaction. In addition, daylight provides contact with the outside living environment and improves circadian rhythms by affecting melatonin production and regulation. Also, windows provide a feeling of closeness to the surroundings and atmosphere.
• Good acoustic performance is essential for all building typologies, from open offices to places of worship. Some workplaces are exposed to high and unsafe noise levels for the occupants. To successfully address these issues, acoustics must be considered in the design and in the operation phases.
Objective
To provide and maintain conditions for a thermally comfortable environment for occupants and users of the facility, to provide and maintain a healthy indoor air quality for occupants and users of the facility, to provide and maintain artificial lighting that meets the needs of occupants and users of the facility, to maximize exposure to daylight and external or internal views for the health and well-being of occupants and users of the facility, and to maintain acceptable indoor noise levels for the health and well-being of occupants and users of the facility.