Indoor climate in offices

What is indoor climate?

1. Thermal (cold, heat, drafts)
2. Visual (lighting)
3. Acoustics (sound, noise)
4. Atmospheric (smell, odour)

More information on indoor climate, ventilation and temperatures

The recommended temperature in office environments is around 22°C, and there must not be uncomfortable drafts. Acceptable air quality must be ensured via an appropriate volume of air replacement.

Offices at DTU are not normally ventilated, for environmental and economic reasons. In some areas this can make it quite a challenge to achieve an ideal indoor climate, particularly in buildings which receive a lot of sunlight. Some buildings have external blinds, while others require internal blinds to be installed. This means that the temperature rises significantly above the recommended level during the summer period. Small desktop fans can help in these cases, but position them to minimise drafts, and ensure that blinds are closed before the sun begins to heat the room. There is a focus on this area, particularly in relation to renovation and new construction.

The heating system must provide the desired room temperature during the winter period, and thermostats have been installed to this end. To save energy, the temperature is set lower on the heating system over the weekend. This can mean it is slightly cooler on Monday mornings, particularly in passageways. Any problems with the heating system should be reported using the Campus Service fault reporting system.

Natural ventilation is ventilation whereby air is added and removed through windows, doors, vents, and cracks and gaps. Natural ventilation provides a foundation for a good indoor climate in offices, but in many large new office buildings it is not sufficient, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Mechanical ventilation is ventilation where air is added and removed mechanically using fans.

Small offices do not need mechanical ventilation. People can air them during breaks and while attending meetings. In large offices with many employees, opening windows for ventilation can be insufficient and can also cause unpleasant drafts. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary in these cases.

Air quality can be improved through good cleaning. But this requires that the office is not untidy and there are no cables on the floor – as both make the work impossible for cleaning staff. Avoid disposing of food in waste baskets.

It is worth it!

It has been shown that better air replacement and an ideal temperature can reduce sick leave and improve productivity in offices with a poor indoor climate by 10-20 per cent. Performance is best at temperatures of 19-23 °C.

What you can do:

• Keep the temperature at approx. 22 degrees
• Keep your workstation tidy, to make it easy for cleaning staff to clean
• Air several times a day

Read here for more regarding lighting and noise and acoustics.