Discover why air movement, along with temperature and humidity, is a crucial consideration when implementing thermal comfort strategies for the LEED Green Associate Exam.
Table of Contents
Question
In addition to the temperature and humidity, what is another factor to consider when implementing thermal comfort strategies?
A. Daylight
B. Acoustics
C. Air movement
D. Green cleaning
Answer
C. Air movement
Explanation
Air movement is a factor that affects the thermal comfort of occupants, as it influences the heat exchange between the human body and the surrounding air. Air movement can be controlled by mechanical systems, such as fans, or natural systems, such as operable windows. LEED v4 requires that at least 50% of individual occupant spaces have thermal comfort controls that allow occupants to adjust air movement in their local environment.
When implementing thermal comfort strategies, air movement is an important factor to consider alongside temperature and humidity. Here’s a detailed explanation of why:
Thermal comfort is determined by a combination of environmental and personal factors. The primary environmental factors are air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and air speed (i.e., air movement). These interact with personal factors like clothing insulation and metabolic heat to affect our perception of comfort.
Air movement, in particular, plays a significant role because it influences the rate of heat transfer from the skin. When air moves across the skin, it carries away heat through convection and evaporation of sweat. This can make us feel cooler even if the air temperature remains constant.
Strategically controlling air movement can therefore help expand the range of temperatures that feel comfortable. For example, increasing airflow with fans or natural ventilation can provide a cooling effect in warm conditions, while reducing drafts can improve comfort in cool environments. The benefits extend beyond just perception too – air movement also helps distribute fresh air, remove contaminants, and prevent stagnation.
The other answer options, while relevant to green building, do not directly impact thermal comfort like air movement does:
- Daylight is important for visual comfort and reducing energy use for lighting, but doesn’t significantly affect thermal sensation.
- Acoustics deal with sound and noise control, a separate aspect of indoor environmental quality.
- Green cleaning pertains to the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices, which can improve indoor air quality but don’t regulate thermal comfort.
So in summary, air movement, along with temperature and humidity, must be carefully considered and controlled as part of any effective thermal comfort strategy. Doing so can improve occupant satisfaction and well-being in an energy efficient manner, which is a key goal of the LEED rating system.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.