University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Centennial Hall Thermal Comfort Survey
Synopsis and Corrective Action Plan - February 2013
I.
Background
UW-La Crosse’s (UW-L) Centennial Hall earned LEED® Gold certification in January 2013. LEED, or
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a national green building certification system. LEED
provides third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at increasing
performance, reducing waste and improving quality of life. Sustainable strategies are incorporated in energy
use, lighting, water and material use and more. LEED certification was established by the U.S. Green Building
Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
As part of UW-L’s commitment to LEED certification UW-L administers a biannual Thermal Comfort Survey
to meet LEED Indoor Environmental Quality credit 7.2, Thermal Comfort, Verification. Thermal comfort can
be defined in many ways. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55 defines thermal comfort as: “the condition of mind that
expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment”. ISO 7730 defines thermal comfort as: "That condition of
mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment".
In the end, Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) operates under the principle that two of the most
important parameters that affect human performance and health in a facility are thermal comfort (temperature,
humidity and air flow) and indoor air quality (ventilation).
II.
Survey Results
A web-based Qualtrics survey was conducted from January 30 through February 18, 2013. The survey was
advertised through UW-L’s Campus Connection, a weekly electronic newsletter distributed to all students,
faculty and staff. FP&M also distributed an e-mail request to all building occupants and posted a request to
complete the survey on hallway monitors located throughout the facility.
Questions 1-14 answered by students, faculty or staff without office in Centennial Hall.
Questions 1 and 15-29 answered by faculty or staff with office in Centennial Hall.
1. Select the group that best represents your connection with UW-L.
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Student
84
55%
2
Faculty or staff without
office in Centennial Hall
29
19%
3
Faculty or staff with
office in Centennial Hall
39
26%
Total
152
100%
Page 1 of 16
2. Which room type(s) do you primarily use? (Check all that apply.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Tiered lecture halls
26
26%
2
Classrooms
88
88%
3
Conference rooms
or discussion areas
20
20%
4
Other
8
8%
3. On what floor(s) are your classrooms or other primary use spaces? (Check all
that apply.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
First
47
47%
2
Second
72
72%
3
Third
56
56%
4
Fourth
6
6%
4. At any one time, what is the normal length of your stay in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Under 1 hour
12
12%
2
1 to 3 hours
72
72%
3
3 to 5 hours
10
10%
4
Greater than 5
hours
6
6%
100
100%
Total
5. How many hours per week do you spend in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Less than 5 hours
34
34%
2
5 – 15 hours
54
54%
3
15 – 30 hours
9
9%
4
More than 30 hours
3
3%
100
100%
Total
Page 2 of 16
6. What is your normal activity level in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Light activity
(mostly sitting)
76
76%
2
Medium activity
(standing, bending,
stooping, walking)
21
21%
3
Heavy activity
(exercise, physical
labor)
3
3%
100
100%
Total
7. Does sunlight passing through windows cause any thermal discomfort?
(Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Yes
5
5%
2
No
84
85%
3
Windows not
present in primary
use space(s)
10
10%
Total
99
100%
8. How satisfied are you with the current indoor temperature in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
17
17%
2
Satisfied
38
38%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
20
20%
4
Neutral
4
4%
5
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
14
14%
6
Dissatisfied
6
6%
7
Very Dissatisfied
0
0%
Total
99
100%
Page 3 of 16
9. How satisfied are you with the current humidity levels in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
18
18%
2
Satisfied
54
55%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
2
2%
4
Neutral
17
17%
5
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
4
4%
6
Dissatisfied
3
3%
7
Very Dissatisfied
1
1%
Total
99
100%
10. How satisfied are you with the current level of air circulation in Centennial
Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
12
12%
2
Satisfied
51
51%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
11
11%
4
Neutral
13
13%
5
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
8
8%
6
Dissatisfied
3
3%
7
Very Dissatisfied
2
2%
100
100%
Total
Page 4 of 16
11. Based on your attire/clothing, which temperature sensation best describes
your current thermal comfort in Centennial Hall? (Thermal comfort is a
combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Hot
(uncomfortable)
12
12%
2
Warm
30
30%
3
Neutral
44
44%
4
Cool
12
12%
5
Cold
(uncomfortable)
2
2%
100
100%
Total
12. If you currently experience thermal discomfort (uncomfortable), which of
the following days/times of day does this occur? Check all that apply.
#
Answer
Response
%
1
I am content with the
current thermal comfort in
Centennial Hall
53
57%
2
Monday through Friday
30
32%
3
Saturday or Sunday
1
1%
4
Between 8:00 AM and
Noon
20
22%
5
Between Noon and 6:00
PM
13
14%
6
Between 6:00 PM and
10:00 PM
4
4%
7
Between 10:00 PM and
8:00 AM
3
3%
13. Does Centennial Hall’s indoor building temperature, humidity or air flow
negatively impact your classroom activities?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
No
79
79%
2
Yes
21
21%
Total
100
100%
Page 5 of 16
14. Please provide any other desired comments on thermal comfort in
Centennial Hall.
Text Response
1.
In a math class last semester, it became very uncomfortable in the room because two other full classes were in the room
before us. While I think Centennial is great on regulating the thermal comfort of the building, it can be tough to get fresh,
cool air in a room that has had constant classes in it. It would obviously be hard to find a way to "give rooms a cool-down",
but I know that some of my classes have been compromised due to how hot it was in the room.
2.
Whenever I am studying in or having class in Centennial, it becomes uncomfortable quickly. It feels as if there is no air flow
at all in the hall. Study rooms are so still and dry that I can no longer comfortable study in Centennial and have gone
elsewhere to study and meet with groups.
3.
There is not much humidity in Centennial during the winter.
4.
In the winter, Building starts out warm and comfortable in the morning but by my late afternoon class it's freezing!
Opposite is true in in warmer months. Starts cool but by the afternoon is sticky and hot.
5.
It gets uncomfortable warm when I am teaching.
6.
As an asthmatic, I have to say that the air sometimes feels stagnant or heavy.
7.
Entranceways are too slippery when wet. Also, doors on the east are designed poorly and cause major problems between
classes. Instead of focusing on how many fans to turn on, we should focus on making the building safe and efficient. Sell the
useless tv's in the hallway and use that money to pay someone to re-design the entranceway.
8.
I teach in 2214 9 hours a week on T and Th between 12:40 and 5:20 and on Wed evenings from 5:30 to 8:15. I've talked to
Facilities and been informed that 2214 is set at 72 degrees. Nonetheless, it's too warm and the high temp makes it very
hard for students to stay alert. Overall, it makes learning difficult.
9.
Classrooms are too warm for me to wear a suit jacket or sweater. I usually end up rolling up the sleeves of a cotton longsleeved dress shirt because I am warm.
10. I've always had to adjust my outwear to mask the effects of temperature because I'm always cold, but for the most part,
Centennial Hall doesn't present the same challenges that I experience in other campus buildings.
11. During the winter months, my classrooms are too warm.
12. I am only in Centennial Hall for meetings and to proctor SAT, Praxis, and ACT testing. I find the climate in Centennial much
better than it ever was in Wimberly. I enjoy the testing environment in Centennial Hall.
13. Usually a good temp but some days are extremely hot (during the winter) or extremely cold (during the fall/spring)
14. Don't change anything! The temperature is perfect!
15. Very cold in corner rooms with lots of windows. I have to wear a winter jacket.
16. In my 7:45 class it's really hot on the third floor.
17. Sometimes, I think there is no need to keep the heating on overnight. It might be understandable that students will have
classes the next day but I think the custodians could set up the temps at a lower level in the winter (60 F) or higher level in
the summer. Although the building has achieved the sustainability certification, it doesn't mean some problems have been
solved. To make the building more environmentally friendly, there should be more efforts to be made.
Page 6 of 16
15. On what floor is your office?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
First
14
36%
2
Second
16
41%
3
Third
0
0%
4
Fourth
9
23%
Total
39
100%
Response
%
16. How is your office configured?
#
Answer
1
Open (no walls)
3
8%
2
Partitioned (onehalf walls)
2
5%
3
Enclosed (full walls)
34
87%
Total
39
100%
17. At any one time, what is the normal length of your stay in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Under 1 hour
0
0%
2
1 to 3 hours
0
0%
3
3 to 5 hours
5
13%
4
Greater than 5
hours
34
87%
Total
39
100%
18. On average, how many hours per week do you spend in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Less than 5 hours
0
0%
2
5 – 15 hours
3
8%
3
15 – 30 hours
7
18%
4
More than 30 hours
29
74%
Total
39
100%
Page 7 of 16
19. What is your normal activity level in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Light activity
(mostly sitting)
26
67%
2
Medium activity
(standing, bending,
stooping, walking)
13
33%
3
Heavy activity
(exercise, physical
labor)
0
0%
Total
39
100%
20. Does sunlight passing through windows cause any thermal discomfort?
(Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Yes
1
3%
2
No
31
79%
3
Windows not
present in primary
use space(s)
7
18%
Total
39
100%
Response
%
21. Which direction are window(s) facing?
#
Answer
1
East
11
30%
2
West
6
16%
3
North
8
22%
4
South
6
16%
5
Windows not
present in primary
use space(s)
8
22%
Page 8 of 16
22. How satisfied are you with the current indoor temperature in Centennial
Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
5
13%
2
Satisfied
12
31%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
4
10%
4
Neutral
1
3%
5
Somewhat Dissatisfied
11
28%
6
Dissatisfied
4
10%
7
Very Dissatisfied
2
5%
Total
39
100%
23. How satisfied are you with the current humidity levels in Centennial Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
5
13%
2
Satisfied
16
41%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
6
15%
4
Neutral
9
23%
5
Somewhat Dissatisfied
2
5%
6
Dissatisfied
1
3%
7
Very Dissatisfied
0
0%
Total
39
100%
24. How satisfied are you with the current level of air circulation in Centennial
Hall?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Very Satisfied
6
15%
2
Satisfied
13
33%
3
Somewhat Satisfied
7
18%
4
Neutral
5
13%
5
Somewhat Dissatisfied
5
13%
6
Dissatisfied
2
5%
7
Very Dissatisfied
1
3%
Total
39
100%
Page 9 of 16
25. Based on your attire/clothing, which temperature sensation best describes
your current thermal comfort in Centennial Hall? (Thermal comfort is a
combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Hot
(uncomfortable)
3
8%
2
Warm
7
18%
3
Neutral
11
28%
4
Cool
10
26%
5
Cold
(uncomfortable)
8
21%
Total
39
100%
26. If you currently experience thermal discomfort (uncomfortable), which of
the following days/times of day does this occur? Check all that apply.
#
Answer
Response
%
1
I am content with the current
thermal comfort in Centennial
Hall
12
33%
2
Monday through Friday
18
50%
3
Saturday or Sunday
2
6%
4
Between 8:00 AM and Noon
14
39%
5
Between Noon and 6:00 PM
11
31%
6
Between 6:00 PM and 10:00
PM
1
3%
7
Between 10:00 PM and 8:00
AM
1
3%
27. Does Centennial Hall’s indoor building temperature, humidity or air flow
negatively impact your job performance?
#
Answer
Response
%
1
No
30
77%
2
Yes
9
23%
Total
39
100%
Page 10 of 16
28. Which of the following do you personally adjust or control in your office?
(Check all that apply.)
#
Answer
Response
%
1
Window blinds or
shades
20
51%
3
Door to interior
space
22
56%
5
Clothing (i.e.,
sweater)
31
79%
6
Turning off
equipment (i.e.,
computer, desk
lighting)
14
36%
7
None
4
10%
8
Other
3
8%
Other
1.
Use a small heater to warm up the room and me!
2.
small space heater
3.
I am unable to control any heat in my office. I have not brought in a space heater.
29. Please provide any other desired comments on thermal comfort in
Centennial Hall.
Text Response
1.
I have an interior office and my office is comfortable, but my colleagues that have windows in their offices are frequently
affected by the heat and the cold
2.
My class sometimes meets in 1234 CH and it seems that the room temperature is regulated by movement in the room and
for many learning activities the students are sitting quietly at their desk and not moving so the lights shut off and the room
quickly becomes noticeably cooler. Students keep their winter coats on in the room. I as the teacher am moving around
more so I don't notice it as much as the students - unless my department has a meeting in the room and then I am the
person sitting quietly, not moving and slightly chilly.
3.
In both my office and the rooms I teach in I always feel it is a bit too warm, just a degree or two but a bit too warm. The
gauge in my office almost always says 71 and I would prefer it to be a degree or too cooler. Thanks.
The temp in my office is fine. The temp in our resource room is often too cold for students to study.
The window in my office radiates cold air--even with the shade down. I am at my computer most of my work hours and my
hands, especially the one that controls the mouse, is icy cold. This is not conducive to a satisfactory work station
environment. Please help! I have now bought some gloves that I will wear to protect my hands and I hope I can still use my
keyboard. I didn't have this problem in Cartwright or Wilder Hall. You would think a new building would not have these
issues.
Room temperatures seem to fluctuate a lot. Most rooms are on the cool side.
4.
5.
6.
Page 11 of 16
Text Response
7.
8.
9.
I have tested the temps within our office suite using a thermometer that holds the max and min. My office is consistently
above 72. One colleague at the opposite end of the suite is consistently at 68 or lower. We have requested that it be
examined, but were told that the thermostat reading (consistently 71 in my office) is the only relevant data, and that if it is
between 68 and 72, nothing can be done. I cannot turn off computers because that is how I work. I rarely turn on the
lights unless it is a gloomy enough day that I need them on, so those solutions will not help.
we do have a room with a server that gets rather warm, especially on weekends as their isn't much movement to trigger
the air handlers to come on
The office and reception area is colder than the other offices. The heat register doesn't seem to work adequately. A staff
member from the Physical Plant replaced a part, but it's still very cold. Visitors notice the temperature difference too.
10. Warmth uneven in office suite: i.e., meeting room is coldest (no windows), then offices on exterior wall of building, then
central area is most comfortable. Hoping that it is warmer in office now that heat valve was repaired/opened in adjacent
office! It has been cold enough recently that I deliberately wear warmer sweaters than would be necessary elsewhere and
coworkers have taken to wearing gloves in their offices.
11. I am a Graduate Student in the SAA program and have both an office and class in Centennial Hall. I am usually comfortable
in my office; however I am often too cold or too hot in some of the classrooms.
12. I'm so cold in my office that I wear gloves all day long. I'm dressed in several layers of wool.
13. Personally, I prefer a cooler work environment, but I understand that this preference is not shared by all. Although I
identify as warm most of the time, it is not to a level of discomfort on most occasions and can be effectively regulated by
proper and thoughtful attire.
14. Without direct sunlight, my office can have a coolness to it. I'm mindful to have a sweater available to me.
15. My specific office gets uncomfortably hot if the door is closed. When meeting with student I typically will desire for an
open door, unless the meeting is confidential, which most meetings are. I am in 2104.
16. Only have noticed the static from low humidity this month.
17. The thermal discomfort varies according to the room. My office is generally very cold. It faces north. It lets in drops of
water when it rains or there is precipitation. Many of the classrooms on the 2nd or 3rd floor in which I've taught (2212 or
3310) have been really warm.
18. The only major complaint I have is the temperature in 2140 Centennial. It seems to be a lot cooler in that room most of the
time. I do not feel comfortable at all in 2140 Centennial with pants and a polo short sleeve shirt. I think I can speak for
everyone else that in order to spend any length of time in 2140 Centennial you must have pants and a long sleeve shirt. I
think students who use that room are sometimes uncomfortable and choose to use other spaces instead.
19. My office is fine, tends on the warm side, but I just open the door if that happens. The trouble I find is with over warm
classrooms. I could not really express this in the survey because I felt it was asking about my office. The worst is
classrooms on the west side in the afternoon. I teach Tues/Thur an 85 minute class and the warmth puts the students to
sleep. And I sweat! It doesn't always seem to be related to sun, as we do close blinds where possible. I think it is lack of air
flow/circulation. I'd love to prop the door open but I know that noise is an issue. This is also a problem sometimes in 1401
in the morning- so hot with the door shut. It is better after classes change, when the door has been open, but in between it
does get very warm.
20. My office is on the first floor of Centennial with 3 windows. The sunlight is great - but during this winter the cold air is
coming under the window sills I know that the air is coming in because the curtain and chain to raise the curtain are both
moving. The more wind the more air comes into the office. My office is very cold and seems like the heat comes and goes. I
find myself having to wear very warm clothing in addition to a sweater in the office. My hands get very cold which
sometimes makes typing and other tactile tasks a bit difficult.
21. I work in Student Support Services. Our Resource Room (room 2140) is consistently five degrees colder or more than the
rest of the office. It is an uncomfortable room to be in for long periods of time without a coat. Students and staff have all
commented that the room is unnaturally cold. I would appreciate it if this issue could be looked in to further. Thank you.
22. I was struggling with low temperature and radiator noise in my office in the counseling center, but the valve on the radiator
has been replaced and there has been a significant improvement. There is no longer noise from the radiator, and the
temperature is a lot more comfortable.
Page 12 of 16
III.
Corrective Action Plan
In accordance with the LEED EQ credit 7.2, Facilities Management staff will take action to enhance thermal
comfort when 20% or more of Centennial Hall occupants are not satisfied with the facilities overall combination
of temperature, humidity and air flow. The survey revealed at least 20% dissatisfaction with temperature and
air flow among building occupants.
Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) suspects that some of the lack of satisfaction results from not
adequately educating faculty, staff and students on LEED energy-saving requirements associated with operation
of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) system in Centennial Hall. FP&M
will work to enhance LEED thermal comfort education through a combination of personal discussions with
building occupants during temperature trouble calls, Campus Connection (newsletter) articles and UW-L
website postings. These communications may include information comparable to the information presented in
the remainder of this section.
The purpose of any building HVACR equipment is to maintain acceptable indoor environmental conditions. A
primary focus in design, installation and operation of HVACR systems at UW-L includes optimizing energy
efficiency, while at the same time balancing the need for overall thermal comfort and good indoor air quality.
The HVACR systems in all buildings at UW-L are monitored and to a variable degree controlled by a Building
Automation System (BAS). The BAS is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices designed to
monitor and control various mechanical and electronic systems in a building that comprise the HVACR system.
The combined HVACR and BAS in Centennial Hall are extensive, complex and contain the latest generation of
energy saving technology. BAS controls in Centennial Hall include sensors to define occupancy (passive
infrared and ultrasonic) as well as humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide and light sensors. These sensors
measure and provide data to the BAS; the BAS integrates the data and makes automatic adjustments to optimize
thermal comfort.
When sensors define an area as being unoccupied, the HVACR system enters and energy saving mode. This
allows individual rooms to deviate from optimal thermal comfort conditions. When sensors identify a room as
occupied, the HVACR system automatically adjusts to improve thermal comfort. The time taken by the
HVACR system to adjust to optimal conditions is quite variable. The room size, room location, number of
occupants, type of equipment/heat load, day, time of day, outside weather conditions, original
temperature/humidity and other factors contribute to the amount of time it takes the HVACR and BAS to
optimize thermal comfort in a room.
The key point is that individual room thermal comfort conditions in Centennial Hall are allowed to fluctuate
when rooms are not occupied. When the room becomes occupied it takes time to adjust to optimal conditions.
This energy saving feature is a purposeful design element and will contribute to some level of discomfort when
people enter a room that has not been occupied for an extended time period.
Another significant contributor to room comfort is the thermal memory of contents (furniture, equipment,
building structure) in a room. As an example, think about the chill you likely feel when you enter a room
temperature bed in winter, the bed is typically cool at first, but as you remain covered your body emits heat that
warms the bed. The same concept exists with all contents in a room, if the temperature of the contents has
changed the HVACR works to achieve equilibrium between the temperature of the air and surrounding
contents.
Page 13 of 16
The HVACR system in Centennial Hall is significantly more complex than most other buildings at UW-L. As
already described, thermal comfort in Centennial Hall is regulated by individual room sensors and scheduled
occupancy periods. However, the BAS in most other UW-L buildings maintains thermal comfort on a set time
schedule. For instance, temperature settings may be allowed to vary from policy limits late at night, early in the
morning and on weekends as determined by the buildings regular use schedule. In these older systems sensors
do not make adjustments based on ability to detect if a room is occupied or unoccupied. The older BAS and
HVACR systems do a decent job maintaining a set temperature, but they do so at the cost of energy efficiency.
Centennial Hall is at least 30% more energy efficient, because of the extensive and technologically
sophisticated BAS and HVACR system.
In addition to enhancing education on operations, additional thermal comfort enhancements are defined below
the issue acquiring action.
1. Question 8 reveals that 20% of students and faculty/staff without offices in Centennial Hall are not
satisfied with the current temperature in Centennial Hall. Question 22 reveals that 43% of faculty or
staff with an office in Centennial Hall is not satisfied with the current temperature in Centennial Hall.
Note: Actions to address temperature discomfort must comply with the State of Wisconsin Energy-Use
Policy available at http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=6147&locid=4. The policy is
intended to reduce the use of energy from fossil fuels and other sources in State facilities without
adversely affecting program operations. Based on State policy UW-L regulates an overall temperature
of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the heating season and 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit during the cooling
season.
Corrective Actions: Throughout the first approximate 1.5 years of operations in Centennial Hall,
Facilities Management has continued to monitor and take corrective action on numerous error reports
generated by the BAS. Facilities Management has also, and will continue to respond to occupant
reported temperature concerns. All reported concerns are reviewed on the BAS and field verified. Any
electrical or mechanical component of the BAS that fails is repaired or replaced. Facilities Management
has also developed a preventive maintenance schedule to inspect and replace system components
requiring regular maintenance, such as air filters. Additional actions taken or to be taken could include
adjusting system controls such as temperature set points, schedules, operating modes and air flow
adjustments.
Facilities Management continues to work with architects, engineers and construction contractors to
address equipment warranty issues that impact thermal comfort in Centennial Hall.
2. Question 24 reveals that 21% of faculty or staff with an office in Centennial Hall is not satisfied with the
current level of air circulation in Centennial Hall.
Corrective Actions: Actions being taken to minimize temperature concerns are comparable to actions
being taken to address air circulation concerns.
3. Specific concerns identified in question 14 by students and faculty/staff without offices in Centennial
Hall and in question 29 by faculty or staff with an office in Centennial Hall will be managed as
summarized below. One reply is provided when redundant concerns were reported.
Page 14 of 16
14-2 “Study rooms are so still and dry”. During the winter heating months exterior humidity levels
naturally decline. The large volume of fresh air brought into Centennial Hall causes interior humidity
levels to naturally decline. During the heating season Centennial Hall’s ventilation system can add
humidity, but the amount of humidity is regulated to prevent condensation and icing on windows.
During the summer season, when central air conditioning functions (~ April – October), the ventilation
system is designed to control humidity levels at comfortable levels.
A ventilation assessment was conducted in the study rooms on second and third floors and the system
was determined to be operating per design.
29-2 “It seems that the room temperature is regulated by movement in the room and when students
are sitting quietly at their desk and not moving the lights shut off and the room quickly becomes
noticeably cooler”. Energy efficiency enhancements in the lighting and heating/cooling system in
Centennial Hall include sensors that automatically shut off lights and regulate building temperatures and
humidity when rooms are deemed to be unoccupied. Personnel experiencing quick temperature swings
on a routine basis should report the specific location to Facilities Management. The sensors, which
compose a portion of the BAS, are a component in a very complex and inter-related system. When a
component of the BAS is not properly functioning or needs adjustment, comfort can be compromised.
Facilities Management will correct any system deficiencies.
In cases where no equipment or BAS faults exist, a feeling of air becoming “noticeably cooler” may be
part of normal operations. When a room is occupied, the HVACR and BAS work to maintain
temperatures at a set point of 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the heating season and 72-74 degrees
Fahrenheit during the cooling season. When a temperature set point is met, the mechanical air flow
entering a room stops being heated in winter or cooled during the summer. This continuing air stream
helps maintain good air quality, but the air stream will feel cooler in winter or warmer in summer. This
feeling of coolness is real and is comparable to a discomforting winter wind chill or the comforting
cooling effect of a breeze on a hot summer day.
29-5 “The window in my office radiates cold air--even with the shade down”. The high-tech windows
with dual panes, vacuum and argon-filled spaces minimize the passage of heat and cold through the
windows. However, windows lose more heat than any other exterior surface in a building. Windows
that feel drafty should be reported to Facilities Management for inspection. Drafty windows may be a
sign that the window was not installed properly or a seal is defective and/or damaged.
29-15 “My specific office (2104) gets uncomfortably hot if the door is closed”. Facilities Management
will inspect this office to determine if a thermostat or supply/return air adjustment can minimize
discomfort. Personnel experiencing temperatures outside State Policy limits (overall temperature of 6870 degrees Fahrenheit during the heating season and 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit during the cooling
season) should report specific locations to Facilities Management. Facilities Management will field
verify concerns and make warranted adjustments and/or repairs.
29-17 “My (north facing) office ….. lets in drops of water when it rains”. Personnel identifying
leaking windows should report the specific location to Facilities Management. In short, appropriate
installation and sealing of windows helps keep out water and drafts.
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29-18 “I do not feel comfortable at all in 2140 Centennial with pants and a polo short sleeve shirt. I
think I can speak for everyone else that in order to spend any length of time in 2140 Centennial you
must have pants and a long sleeve shirt”. Facilities Management will field verify temperature and
other thermal comfort parameters in 2140 to assure conformance with temperature limits established in
the State Energy-Use Policy. Facilities Management is required to comply with this State policy, but at
the same time we recognize that temperature comfort among people is quite variable. Facilities
Management encourages occupants to recognize that thermal comfort is a partnership. All individuals
can contribute by dressing to achieve comfort based on Policy driven temperature set points along with
their given level of activity and temperature tolerance.
29-19 “The trouble I find is with over warm classrooms. The worst is classrooms on the west side in
the afternoon. It doesn't always seem to be related to sun, as we do close blinds where possible. I
think it is lack of air flow/circulation. This is also a problem sometimes in 1401 in the morning- so
hot with the door shut”. Facilities Management will inspect noted classrooms to determine if a
thermostat, supply/return air adjustment or some other action can minimize discomfort. However, as of
March 2013 Facilities Management continues to work with contractors to address warranty repair of
numerous control valves and other mechanical faults that existed during the thermal comfort survey
period. These warranty repairs will improve the BAS and HVACR systems ability to optimize thermal
comfort.
Discomfort resulting from reduced air flow in individual rooms can also result from the level of
occupancy in other parts of Centennial Hall. Air circulated in Centennial Hall is primarily regulated by
four large air handling units, each providing air to separate quadrants in the building. During periods of
low quadrant occupancy, the air handling unit serving that quadrant reduces output air volume to
conserve energy. These large units do not increase air flow until occupancy levels rise in the quadrant.
Air continues to circulate in individual rooms when the air handler is in a low occupancy mode and the
sensors in the room continue to work to achieve optimal thermal comfort. However, the low air volume
increases the length of time needed to return to comfortable conditions.
29-20 “My office is on the first floor of Centennial with 3 windows. The sunlight is great - but
during this winter the cold air is coming under the window sills. I know that the air is coming in
because the curtain and chain to raise the curtain are both moving. The more wind the more air
comes into the office”. Facilities Management inspected windows in the office reporting this concern
and determined that the window, its frame and installation do not appear to contribute to movement of
the curtains. In all likelihood the supply air register mounted in the suspended ceiling is likely creating
air currents that occasionally move the curtain when the supply air volume is high.
IV.
Reporting Thermal Comfort Concerns
As stated in the survey, building occupants with specific thermal comfort concerns are encouraged to report
facility concerns directly to the Facilities Management Office at (608) 785-8585 or submit an on line work
request through https://iservicedesk.uwlax.edu/. The Facilities Management office hours are Monday through
Friday from 6:30 AM until 4:00 PM, closed on legal holidays. For emergency facilities service outside these
hours contact University Switchboard at (608) 785-8000.
Report Completed: 3/22/2013, D. Sweetman
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