ADAPTING FOR COMFORT

Adaptive Thermal Comfort is a term you'll be hearing more and more. It means that people naturally adjust to normal variations in temperature through the use of non-mechanical or less mechanical means.

For example, in warm weather people logically open windows to increase air circulation vs. the use of an air conditioner.  What was the norm 50 years ago in terms of the way people adapted to temperature fluctuations is now in vogue with architects and builders/developers.  This new/old theory is making a come back  and turning the tide on the construction of conventional energy wasteful buildings.

In the 20th century much of the world adapted technologies (like automated HVAC systems) which were developed and ran on the premise of an endless cheap supply of fossil fuels and water power.  This led to building an environment that was disconnected from the outdoor weather conditions and created human expectations of a fairly constant and narrow range of indoor temperatures year-round in buildings in which people lived, worked,  and played.

The New Old Theory

Throughout most of the 20th century the theory of ideal temperature comfort was practiced across a variety of cultures and climates and led to a huge increase in energy consumption. Today's thinking and the way forward is to explore alternatives to achieve high indoor environmental quality without wasting resources and by reassessing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning practices that have developed over the last five or so decades when energy was cheap and abundant.

As we move into the 21st century Adaptive Thermal Comfort will become the new normal.

Note: Jim Lavorato is the founder and one of the principals of the Arboreel Group, an environmental  consultancy specializing on improving the efficiency and sustainability of cinema theatres.