I.
Background
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
Eagle Hall Thermal Comfort Survey
Synopsis and Corrective Action Plan - February 2013
UW-La Crosse’s (UW-L) Eagle Hall earned LEED® Gold certification in May 2012. 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, the Office of Residence Life operates residence halls under the principle that quality and healthfulness in the residential experience can be enhanced through facility operations that effectively manage 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 link was distributed to all Eagle Hall residents and staff by the Office of Residence Life.
Questions 1-14 were answered by Eagle Maroon residents.
Questions 1 and 15-27 were answered by Eagle Gray residents.
Questions 1 and 28--43 were answered by staff or student workers employed in Eagle Hall.
1. Select the group that best represents your connection with Eagle Hall.
#
1
2
3
Answer
Eagle Maroon Resident (last two digits of room number end in 16 through 31)
Eagle Gray Resident (last two digits of room number end in 01 through 15)
Staff or student worker employed in
Eagle Hall
Total
Response
50
50
7
107
%
47%
47%
7%
100%
Page 1 of 18

2. On what floor is your residence hall room?
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Total
Response
6
10
10
15
7
48
3. How many hours per week do you normally spend in Eagle Hall?
3
4
#
1
2
Answer
More than 50 hours
30 to 50 hours
15 – 30 hours
Less than 15 hours
Total
4. While in Eagle Hall what is your normal activity level?
Response
31
16
1
0
48
#
1
2
3
Answer
Light activity (mostly sitting)
Medium activity
(standing, bending, stooping, walking)
Heavy activity (exercise, physical labor)
Total
Response
22
25
1
48
5. While In your room, which direction are window(s) facing?
2
3
#
1
4
Answer
East
West
North
South
Response
20
22
2
2
Page 2 of 18
%
65%
33%
2%
0%
100%
%
13%
21%
21%
31%
15%
100%
%
46%
52%
2%
100%
%
44%
49%
4%
4%

6. Does sunlight passing through windows cause any thermal discomfort?
(Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
2
#
1
Answer
Yes
No
Total
Response
2
46
48
%
4%
96%
100%
7. How satisfied are you with the current indoor temperature in Eagle Hall?
2
3
4
#
1
7
5
6
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
6
9
16
5
11
1
0
48
8. How satisfied are you with the current humidity levels in Eagle Hall?
%
13%
19%
33%
10%
23%
2%
0%
100%
2
3
4
#
1
7
5
6
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
9
17
2
5
9
5
1
48
%
19%
35%
4%
10%
19%
10%
2%
100%
Page 3 of 18

9. How satisfied are you with the current level of air circulation in Eagle Hall?
6
7
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
6
21
6
6
6
3
0
48
%
13%
44%
13%
13%
13%
6%
0%
100%
10. Based on your attire/clothing, which temperature sensation best describes your current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall? (Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
5
3
4
#
1
2
Answer
Hot (uncomfortable)
Warm
Neutral
Cool
Cold (uncomfortable)
Total
Response
5
17
12
11
3
48
%
10%
35%
25%
23%
6%
100%
11. If you currently experience thermal discomfort (uncomfortable), which of the following days/times of day does this occur? Check all that apply.
#
1
4
5
2
3
6
7
Answer
I am content with the current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall
Monday through Friday
Saturday or Sunday
Between 8:00 AM and Noon
Between Noon and 6:00 PM
Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
Response
15
6
8
7
3
11
18
%
31%
15%
6%
13%
17%
23%
38%
Page 4 of 18

12. Does Eagle Hall’s indoor building temperature, humidity or air flow negatively impact your residential experience?
2
#
1
Answer
No
Yes
Total
Response
35
13
48
%
73%
27%
100%
13. Which of the following do you personally adjust or control in your primary living space? (Check all that apply.)
2
3
#
1
4
5
6
Answer
Window blinds or shades
Portable heater
Door to interior space
Portable fan
Clothing (i.e., sweater)
Turning off equipment (i.e., computer, desk lighting)
None
Other
Response
35
1
26
20
46
20
0
2
%
73%
2%
54%
42%
96%
42%
0%
4%
7
8
Other thermostat
Page 5 of 18

14. Please provide any other desired comments on thermal comfort in Eagle
Hall.
Text Response
1.
It can get uncomfortably stuffy in my room at times especially some mornings.
2.
There needs to be a way to turn off the thermostat in individual rooms. No matter where I set the temperature, the heat/air always kicks in and is a waste of energy. Once rooms are at a comfortable temperature, residents should have the option to turn off all power. A fan setting would also be beneficial in energy conservation instead of ways using central air to cool rooms down. I think our systems could still use more work to become energy efficient.
3.
Eagle has been VERY dry. I didn't experience this intense dryness last year in Hutch hall, but it has been quite noticeable in Eagle.
4.
The one thing that really bugs me about the thermostats in the rooms is the range; specifically I would like to lower the temp more. In the winter I am constantly hot when I'm trying to sleep and if I fall asleep without a blanket I wake up freezing. If I was just cold I could just get a thicker blanket. The problem mainly is caused by where the vent is placed. The vent is very high and the thermostat is low, so the vents push out a lot of hot air before it finally gets warm lower to the ground. This isn't that much of a problem during the day, but when I'm trying to sleep, the vents blow right on me since my bed is lofted. I know that moving a vent isn't something that can be done, that is why I would like to lower the temp. lower than 69.5F.
5.
Overall, the temperature in Eagle is on the cool side, but I would prefer cool to overly warm. Also, the humidity is at a good level, however sometimes the air is overly dry.
6.
During the winter is not usually a problem, however sometimes humidity is high. When the weather gets hot, I feel we should be able to take the temperature of the room below 69 degrees because that is too hot for me during the warm seasons. Also, humidity is bad in the warm seasons.
7.
It used to be too warm in the hall when it got cold first semester, but it has gotten to a more comfortable level since after break.
8.
occasionally it gets very humid
9.
At the start of the year, our thermostat was set at 69.5, but it was never that cold. I wish the thermostats would go lower because I like my room to be about 68F. However, after returning from break, the temperature in our hall was about 69F/70F which is nicer than the around 74F it was before break. This may be due to winter, but it is much more comfortable.
10.
It would be nice if we could turn off the heat in winter if it gets too hot at night.
11.
Too dry and don't have enough ability to decrease the temperature.
12.
It’s dry!
13.
I would like for the thermostat to go lower than 69.5, especially at night. Many nights I have trouble sleeping due to high night time temperatures.
14.
A little bit more lenience on temperature would be nice. (the ability to go below 69.5 at night or throughout the day in general)
15.
It is just dry. I feel as though I am constantly putting on lotion.
16.
There is a thermostat in the room that does not work properly. It appears that the building has a constant temperature that cannot be changed with the thermostat in the rooms. This pretty much means that residents cannot control the temperature of their rooms via the thermostat which makes it pretty useless. It would be nice if residents had the ability to control the temperature of their room independent of the constant building temperature.
Page 6 of 18

15. On what floor is your residence hall room?
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Total
Response
4
21
6
10
5
46
16. How many hours per week do you normally spend in Eagle Hall?
3
4
#
1
2
Answer
More than 50 hours
30 to 50 hours
15 – 30 hours
Less than 15 hours
Total
17. While in Eagle Hall what is your normal activity level?
Response
38
6
2
0
46
#
1
2
3
Answer
Light activity
(mostly sitting)
Medium activity
(standing, bending, stooping, walking)
Heavy activity
(exercise, physical labor)
Total
Response
24
22
0
46
18. While In your room, which direction are window(s) facing?
#
1
2
3
4
Answer
East
West
North
South
Response
4
6
20
16
Page 7 of 18
%
52%
0%
100%
%
9%
13%
44%
36%
%
83%
13%
4%
0%
100%
%
9%
46%
13%
22%
11%
100%
48%

19. Does sunlight passing through windows cause any thermal discomfort?
(Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
2
#
1
Answer
Yes
No
Total
Response
6
40
46
%
13%
87%
100%
20. How satisfied are you with the current indoor temperature in Eagle Hall?
2
3
4
#
1
7
5
6
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
2
22
6
4
8
2
2
46
21. How satisfied are you with the current humidity levels in Eagle Hall?
%
4%
48%
13%
9%
17%
4%
4%
100%
2
3
4
#
1
7
5
6
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
8
17
5
6
4
4
2
46
%
17%
37%
11%
13%
9%
9%
4%
100%
Page 8 of 18

22. How satisfied are you with the current level of air circulation in Eagle Hall?
6
7
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
3
27
6
6
4
0
0
46
%
7%
59%
13%
13%
9%
0%
0%
100%
23. Based on your attire/clothing, which temperature sensation best describes your current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall? (Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
5
3
4
#
1
2
Answer
Hot (uncomfortable)
Warm
Neutral
Cool
Cold (uncomfortable)
Total
Response
4
15
17
6
4
46
%
9%
33%
37%
13%
9%
100%
24. If you currently experience thermal discomfort (uncomfortable), which of the following days/times of day does this occur? Check all that apply.
#
1
4
5
2
3
6
7
Answer
I am content with the current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall
Monday through Friday
Saturday or Sunday
Between 8:00 AM and Noon
Between Noon and 6:00 PM
Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
Response
16
1
5
8
6
9
15
%
38%
19%
14%
2%
12%
21%
36%
Page 9 of 18

25. Does Eagle Hall’s indoor building temperature, humidity or air flow negatively impact your residential experience?
2
#
1
Answer
No
Yes
Total
Response
39
7
46
%
85%
15%
100%
26. Which of the following do you personally adjust or control in your primary living space? (Check all that apply.)
2
3
#
1
4
5
6
7
8
Answer
Window blinds or shades
Portable heater
Door to interior space
Portable fan
Clothing (i.e., sweater)
Turning off equipment (i.e., computer, desk lighting)
None
Other
Response
43
0
19
15
43
20
0
4
Other thermostat thermostat open door and window to create a vacuum effect that sucks the cold air from outside inside to cool down room with bathroom doors open too...and I have an humidifier air purifier
%
93%
0%
41%
33%
93%
43%
0%
9%
Page 10 of 18

27. Please provide any other desired comments on thermal comfort in Eagle
Hall.
Text Response
1.
The heat in our room doesn’t go up or down. Stays at 69 and our room is freezing
2.
I don't like how the temperature cannot be set lower than 69.5 degrees. To me, that is very warm to sleep in, especially during the winter time. Wouldn't it be more eco-friendly to have the winter temperature set to be colder? Opening the windows does not help because hotter air comes out the vents. This, too, does not make sense how blowing hotter air out when one is trying to cool the room is economical. Mostly every night I wake up damp with sweat from being hot. It is easier to add more covers to stay warm if it was cold at night, but when the temperature is set to the lowest setting and I'm still getting hot at night in a small amount of clothes and thin blankets, then this probably isn’t an issue just for me. In order to make eagle a more comfortable place to live, I would like the ability to sleep comfortable at night by being warm, but not hot.
3.
Sometimes my suitemate is very smelly in the bathroom. It makes me wish we had better air flow.
4.
It gets way too hot at night. We have a fan blowing to circulate air. We also have both sides of the window open because it gets so hot.
5.
I am gone most of the time; I use the building for studying and sleeping most of the time. If I get cold or warm I just lose or add layers of clothing. It's not that big of a deal to me.
6.
Our heat used to adjust to where we set it in our room but ever since we've been back from break it's not been adjusting to where we set our thermostat.
7.
too hot and there should be a switch to turn on and off the thermostat cause it is too hot
8.
I would like it if I could make it cooler in my room while I sleep.
9.
It is too warm at night
10.
It would be nice if we could adjust our thermostat to lower than 69 degrees. There are some times when even the lowest setting available to us are uncomfortable to sit in.
11.
My room is comfortable most of the time, but our common area is extremely cold and makes sitting anywhere but inside my room.
12.
The temperature is really random - sometimes I'm comfortable in a t-shirt, where other times I need to be in full sweats, with a blanket, and I'm still cold.
13.
It is really dry in Eagle.
14.
My thermostat doesn't work, and it's been 64-69 degrees in my room the entire winter.
Page 11 of 18

28. Where are the majority of your work duties performed?
#
1
4
2
3
Answer
Office of Residence Life
Administrative Wing
Eagle Maroon
Eagle Gray
Throughout Eagle Hall
Total
29. On what floor is your primary work space?
Response
1
0
6
1
4
%
17%
17%
67%
0%
100%
6
7
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
Basement
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Fifth
Throughout Eagle Hall
Total
Response
0
1
0
1
1
2
1
6
%
0%
17%
0%
17%
17%
33%
17%
100%
30. If you spend the majority of you Eagle Hall work time in an office, how is the office configured?
2
3
4
#
1
Answer
I do not spend much work time in an office
Open (no walls)
Partitioned (one-half walls)
Enclosed (full walls)
Total
Response
5
0
0
1
6
%
83%
0%
0%
17%
100%
Page 12 of 18

31. On any given work day, how many hours do you spend in Eagle Hall?
2
3
#
1
4
Answer
Under 3 hours
3 to 6 hours
6 to 9 hours
Greater than 9 hours
Total
Response
0
0
2
4
6
32. On average, how many hours per week do you spend in Eagle Hall?
%
0%
0%
33%
67%
100%
2
3
4
#
1
Answer
More than 50 hours
30 – 50 hours
15 – 30 hours
Less than 15 hours
Total
33. What is your normal activity level in Eagle Hall?
Response
5
1
0
0
6
#
1
2
3
Answer
Light activity (mostly sitting)
Medium activity (standing, bending, stooping, walking)
Heavy activity (exercise, physical labor)
Total
Response
2
4
0
6
%
33%
67%
0%
100%
34. Does sunlight passing through windows cause any thermal discomfort?
(Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
1
2
3
Answer
Yes
No
Windows not present in primary work space(s)
Total
Response
0
6
0
6
%
0%
100%
0%
100%
%
83%
17%
0%
0%
100%
Page 13 of 18

35. Which direction are window(s) facing?
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
East
West
North
South
Windows not present in primary use space(s)
Response
1
0
5
0
0
%
17%
0%
83%
0%
0%
36. How satisfied are you with the current indoor temperature in Eagle Hall?
5
6
7
2
3
4
#
1
5
6
7
#
1
2
3
4
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
6
37. How satisfied are you with the current humidity levels in Eagle Hall?
%
33%
33%
33%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat
Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
0
2
0
0
0
2
2
6
%
0%
33%
0%
0%
0%
33%
33%
100%
Page 14 of 18

38. How satisfied are you with the current level of air circulation in Eagle Hall?
6
7
2
3
#
1
4
5
Answer
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
Neutral
Somewhat Dissatisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Total
Response
1
3
2
0
0
0
0
6
%
17%
50%
33%
0%
0%
0%
0%
100%
39. Based on your attire/clothing, which temperature sensation best describes your current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall? (Thermal comfort is a combination of temperature, humidity and air flow.)
#
1
4
5
2
3
6
7
5
3
4
#
1
2
Answer
Hot (uncomfortable)
Warm
Neutral
Cool
Cold (uncomfortable)
Total
Response
0
2
0
6
2
2
%
0%
33%
33%
33%
0%
100%
40. If you currently experience thermal discomfort (uncomfortable), which of the following days/times of day does this occur? Check all that apply.
Answer
I am content with the current thermal comfort in Eagle Hall
Monday through Friday
Saturday or Sunday
Between 8:00 AM and Noon
Between Noon and 6:00 PM
Between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM
Response
4
1
0
1
0
1
1
%
67%
17%
0%
17%
0%
17%
17%
Page 15 of 18

41. Does Eagle Hall’s indoor building temperature, humidity or air flow negatively impact your job performance?
2
#
1
Answer
No
Yes
Total
Response
6
0
6
%
100%
0%
100%
42. Which of the following do you personally adjust or control in your primary work space? (Check all that apply.)
2
3
#
1
4
5
6
7
8
Answer
Window blinds or shades
Portable heater
Door to interior space
Portable fan
Clothing (i.e., sweater)
Turning off equipment (i.e., computer, desk lighting)
None
Other
Response
4
0
3
0
5
2
1
0
33%
17%
0%
43. Please provide any other desired comments on thermal comfort in Eagle
Hall.
%
67%
0%
50%
0%
83%
Text Response
1.
The air is so dry that it gets very hard to breathe in the hall. My skin has also gotten incredibly dry as well.
2.
Humidity levels at or below 10% are not appropriate. Humidity in the winter months should be introduced into the HVAC system
3.
Humidity is much too low here; super dry air makes the sinuses uncomfortable. Have had intermittent issues with the heat in my room, though it seems to have improved.
Page 16 of 18

III.
Corrective Action Plan
In accordance with the LEED EQ credit 7.2 requirements, The Office of Residence Life will take action to remedy thermal comfort settings when 20% or more of facility occupants are not satisfied with thermal comfort.
Corrective actions may include, but are not limited to, adjusting system controls such as temperature set points, schedules, operating modes and air flow adjustments.
During review of this corrective action plan keep in mind the level of complexity associated with design, construction and operation of Eagle Hall. The Office of Residence Life continues to work with UW-L Facilities
Planning and Management as well as outside agency architects, engineers and construction contractors to address design, installation and operation issues that are having an impact on occupant thermal comfort.
The survey revealed at least 20% dissatisfaction with temperature and humidity. Corrective action(s) to improve thermal comfort follow.
1.
Questions 7 and 20 reveal that 25% of Eagle Maroon and Gray residents are not satisfied with the current temperature in Eagle 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 : Temperature in Eagle Hall is managed by a building automation system (BAS).
The BAS system is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices designed to monitor and control the mechanical and electronic systems in a building. The BAS in Eagle Hall is extensive, complex and contains the latest generation of technology to reduce building energy and maintenance costs.
Throughout the first approximate 1.5 years of operations in Eagle Hall, the Office of Residence Life
(ORL), in conjunction with UW-L Facilities Management has continued to monitor and take corrective action on numerous error reports generated by the BAS. The ORL has also, and will continue to respond to occupant temperature concerns. All reported concerns are reviewed and field verified. Any electrical or mechanical component of the BAS that fails is repaired or replaced. The ORL has worked with Facilities Management on development and implementation of a preventive maintenance schedule to inspect and replace system components requiring regular maintenance, such as air filters.
The ORL will continue to work with UW-L Facilities Planning and Management as well as outside agency architects, engineers and construction contractors to address thermal comfort issues within Eagle
Hall.
Page 17 of 18

2.
Questions 8, 21 and 37 reveal that greater than 20% of Eagle Maroon and Gray residents as well as staff or student workers employed in Eagle Hall are not satisfied with the current level of humidity in Eagle
Hall.
Corrective Actions : During the winter heating months exterior humidity levels naturally decline. The large volume of fresh air brought into Eagle Hall causes interior humidity levels to decline. Eagle
Hall’s ventilation system is not designed to increase humidity levels during the winter months.
However, during the summer season, when central air conditioning functions (~ April – October), the ventilation system is designed to control humidity levels at comfortable levels.
Students who desire higher humidity levels in their living quarters may self-provide a small room-sized humidifier or pan of water for personal use.
3.
Specific concerns identified in questions 14, 27 and 43 that have not already been addressed in the corrective action plan and are necessary to explain building function are provided in this section. One
reply is provided when redundant concerns were reported.
14-1. It can get uncomfortably stuffy in my room at times especially some mornings. Students experiencing temperature swings on a routine basis or are regularly cold/hot should report the specific location and concern to the Office of Residence Life. Noticeable temperature variations can result from room thermostats or other components of the BAS that are not properly functioning or need adjustment. A maintenance person will verify proper operation of the BAS in the room experiencing thermal comfort concerns.
27-4. It gets way too hot at night. We have a fan blowing to circulate air. We also have both sides of the window open because it gets so hot.
The Office of Residence Life (ORL) must assure conformance with temperature limits established in the
State Energy-Use Policy. At the same time, the ORL recognizes that temperature comfort among people is quite variable. ORL encourages residents and staff to recognize that thermal comfort is a partnership.
All students and staff can contribute by dressing to achieve comfort based on Policy driven temperature set points along with their given level of activity and temperature tolerance.
The opening of exterior windows during the heating or cooling season to address short-term discomfort can contribute to increasing the level of discomfort. As an example, when cold winter air from an open window(s) cools the local thermostat, additional heat will enter the room until the thermostat achieves its
68-70 degrees Fahrenheit set-point. In the end, students would likely be better off dressing with lighter weight clothing or blankets.
IV.
Reporting Thermal Comfort Concerns
As stated in the survey, Eagle Hall residents or staff with specific thermal comfort concerns should report the issue directly to their Resident Assistant, Hall Director or the Office of Residence Life at
(608) 785-8075 or reslife@uwlax.edu
.
Report completed: 3/22/2013, DJS
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