T03: Thermal Zoning – Above Green

(2 points)

INTENT

Enhance thermal comfort of people in building through provision of thermal zoning in each space.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to increase thermal control of the space by allowing control of either the conditions of a thermal zone or movement between thermal zones.

ISSUE

People in buildings who are satisfied with their thermal environment have been shown to be more productive in the workplace. In contrast, indoor thermal discomfort has been associated with sick building syndrome symptoms, and reduced satisfaction is tenuously linked to productivity. For instance, individuals tend to perform 6% poorer when their office is overheated or 4% poorer when the office is cold. An average 2% decrease in work performance per 1 °C [1.8 °F] of air temperature rise has been found when the air temperature is above 25 °C [77 °F]. On the other hand, even a 1 °C decrease in air temperature within the range of 20-25 °C [68-77 °F] is linked to increased student performance in mathematics. Furthermore, thermal comfort preferences are highly individual and can be affected by metabolism, body type, clothing and other personal factors. These factors make it nearly impossible to find a temperature that will satisfy all individuals in the same space at the same time.

SOLUTIONS

Indoor air temperature is one of the key characteristics of the indoor environment. It can be influenced by a number of factors, including the building physics and orientation, building location and structure, occupant density, ventilation strategy and mode of operation. In the majority of buildings, the HVAC system is in responsible for controlling indoor air temperature and humidity. Where temperature zoning is an option, individually accessible thermostats that enable people to set their own thermal conditions independently of other zones should be used. An additional strategy is to ensure that people can choose areas with temperatures that best fit their thermal preferences. Temperature variations across the building allow the individuals the flexibility to select a work area where they are most comfortable (termed “free address”).

IMPACT

As temperature preferences are highly personal and differ from one individual to another, allowing people to control air temperature is linked to increased thermal satisfaction and productivity.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Ensure Thermostat Control (Max: 2 points)

Verified by MEP

For All Spaces except Commercial Kitchen Spaces

The following requirements are met for all regularly occupied spaces equipped with a heating and/or cooling system:

All regularly occupied spaces contain thermal zones, as shown in the table below (note: individual rooms less than 30 m² [320 ft²] or 5 occupants are still considered separate zones):

Zone Density	Points
Minimum 1 thermal zone per 60 m² [650 ft²] or per 10 occupants (whichever results in fewer thermal zones)	1
Minimum 1 thermal zone per 30 m² [320 ft²] or per 5 occupants (whichever results in fewer thermal zones)	2

Temperature sensors are positioned at least 1 m [3.3 ft] away from direct sunlight, air supply diffusers, mechanical fans and heaters and away from exterior walls, windows and doors or any other significant source of heat or cold.
All regular building occupants have control over temperature through either:
1. Thermostats Present within the thermal zone.
2. Digital interface available on a computer or phone.

Note: Individual rooms less than 30 m² [320 ft²] or 5 occupants are still considered separate zones.

Part 2

Promote Free Address (1 point)

Verified by MEP, Policy Document

For Office Spaces

Projects meet the following requirements:

The building provides a thermal variation of at least 3 °C [5 °F] across open workspaces over 200 m² [2,150 ft²], between rooms with more than 10 people and/or between floors.
All office spaces with employees performing tasks that require similar workstations use free address to allow employees to select a work space with a desired temperature.