Comfort and Health in Buildings from edX

Even in the well-accepted indoor temperature range of 20-24°C (68-75°F), people can experience thermal discomfort. Complaints about the indoor thermal environment are one of the major complaints building and facility managers have to deal with, and they spend a large amount of their time and money to solve them. People spend more than 80% of their time in buildings. Therefore a good thermal comfort and quality of the indoor environment are essential for their wellbeing, health and productivity.

In this course you will learn how to ensure good indoor thermal comfort and air quality, and how these factors relate to building design and to buildings’ energy systems. Comfort complaints mean user dissatisfaction, which in turn means delays and resistance to accept technologies needed for low carbon emission buildings. So if you want to discover what to pay attention to in your energy designs, or in designing new concepts for sustainable buildings, this course is for you.

First you will discover the two main theories of thermal comfort, learning which measurable physical parameters and combinations of parameters impact people’s comfort. Second, you will understand why it is so difficult to create indoor environments satisfying everyone and which main parameters to tune to make buildings comfortable. Third, you will discover how to measure, analyze and solve existing comfort complaints, and finally you will find out what determines a healthy indoor air quality.

This course is part of the PCP Buildings as Sustainable Energy Systems. In the other courses in this program you can learn how to design buildings with low energy demand, how to choose low carbon energy supply, and how to control and optimize HVAC systems.

The development of this course is supported by Climate-KIC.

What's inside

Learning objectives

What the determinant factors of thermal comfort and indoor air quality are.
How fanger’s theory and the adaptive comfort theory work, and what recent developments are in this domain.
How to take thermal comfort into account in the design of buildings, components and energy systems.

How to measure and analyze actual thermal comfort in buildings and to relate it to comfort complaints.
What are the determinant factors of healthy indoor environments.

What the determinant factors of thermal comfort and indoor air quality are.
How fanger’s theory and the adaptive comfort theory work, and what recent developments are in this domain.
How to take thermal comfort into account in the design of buildings, components and energy systems.
How to measure and analyze actual thermal comfort in buildings and to relate it to comfort complaints.
What are the determinant factors of healthy indoor environments.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the two leading theories of thermal comfort and helps learners understand the impact of factors on comfort

Explores the complexity of creating indoor environments that accommodate all users and the key parameters to consider

Develops practical skills for analyzing and resolving existing thermal comfort complaints

Examines the determinants of healthy indoor air quality

Part of a comprehensive program on sustainable energy systems for buildings

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Comfort and Health in Buildings with these activities:

Review prerequisites: Thermal physics and thermodynamics

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Revisiting concepts from thermal physics and thermodynamics would be beneficial in deepening your understanding of thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

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Review the fundamentals of thermal physics, including heat transfer and fluid dynamics.
Revisit the laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law and its implications for heat transfer and energy efficiency.
Practice solving problems related to heat transfer and energy balance in buildings.

Attend a workshop on indoor air quality

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Participating in a workshop will provide you with practical insights into indoor air quality management and its impact on occupant health and well-being.

Browse courses on Indoor Air Quality

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Identify and attend a relevant workshop on indoor air quality.
Take notes on the key concepts and best practices discussed during the workshop.
Engage in discussions with experts and other attendees to broaden your understanding.

Explore online tutorials on building energy optimization

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Delving into online tutorials will expose you to innovative strategies and technologies for improving building energy performance, which is closely tied to thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

Browse courses on Sustainable Building Design

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Identify reputable online platforms or resources that offer tutorials on building energy optimization.
Choose tutorials that align with your interests and learning goals.
Follow the tutorials, take notes, and complete any exercises or assignments.

Three other activities

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Read: Indoor Air Quality Handbook

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This comprehensive handbook provides a thorough understanding of indoor air quality, including sources of pollutants, health effects, and mitigation strategies.

View Indoor Air Quality Handbook (McGrawhill... on Amazon

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Read and comprehend key chapters on indoor air quality sources, measurement techniques, and health impacts.
Review case studies and examples of indoor air quality management in different building types.
Use the information to identify potential indoor air quality issues in your own environment and develop strategies to improve it.

Design an indoor environment

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By designing an indoor environment, you can apply your understanding of thermal comfort and indoor air quality to create a space that promotes occupant well-being.

Browse courses on Building Design

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Define the specific requirements for the indoor environment, considering factors such as occupancy, purpose, and climate.
Design the layout of the space, including the placement of windows, doors, and internal partitions.
Select appropriate building materials and finishes that contribute to thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Design and specify the HVAC system to maintain desired thermal conditions and provide adequate ventilation.
Evaluate the design using thermal comfort and indoor air quality simulations or models.

Mentor a student in a related field

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Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of thermal comfort and indoor air quality while contributing to the development of future professionals.

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Identify a student who is interested in learning about thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
Provide guidance and support on topics related to the course, such as thermal comfort models, air quality standards, and building design principles.
Review their work and provide constructive feedback to help them improve their understanding and skills.

Career center

Learners who complete Comfort and Health in Buildings will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Building Scientist

Building Scientists study the science behind the design and construction of buildings, including thermal comfort and indoor air quality. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a deep dive into the principles of thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are essential for Building Scientists to understand. By taking this course, Building Scientists can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop innovative solutions for creating comfortable and healthy buildings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Scientist

Indoor Environmental Consultant

Indoor Environmental Consultants help businesses and organizations improve the quality of their indoor environments. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are critical for Indoor Environmental Consultants to know. By taking this course, Indoor Environmental Consultants can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to assess and improve indoor environmental quality, making buildings healthier and more comfortable for occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indoor Environmental Consultant

HVAC Engineer

HVAC Engineers design and build systems that control the indoor environment, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are critical factors in designing efficient and effective HVAC systems. By taking this course, HVAC Engineers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create healthy and comfortable indoor environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for HVAC Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build systems that control the indoor environment, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a strong foundation in thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are critical factors in designing efficient and effective HVAC systems. By taking this course, Mechanical Engineers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create healthy and comfortable indoor environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Facilities Manager

Facilities Managers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of buildings. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are essential for Facilities Managers to know. By taking this course, Facilities Managers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage buildings in a way that ensures the comfort, health, and well-being of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Construction Manager

Construction Managers oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Construction Managers. By taking this course, Construction Managers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage construction projects in a way that ensures the comfort, health, and well-being of occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Manager

Architectural Engineer

Architectural Engineers design buildings with a focus on safety, functionality, and aesthetics. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, teaches the fundamentals of thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are essential considerations for designing comfortable and healthy buildings. By understanding these principles, Architectural Engineers can create buildings that meet the needs of occupants and promote their well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Engineer

Property Manager

Property Managers oversee the operation and maintenance of residential and commercial properties. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Property Managers. By taking this course, Property Managers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage properties in a way that ensures the comfort, health, and well-being of tenants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Property Manager

Industrial Hygienist

Industrial Hygienists identify and assess workplace hazards and develop strategies to control them. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Industrial Hygienists. By taking this course, Industrial Hygienists can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create healthy and safe workplaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Hygienist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations achieve their sustainability goals. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Sustainability Consultants. By taking this course, Sustainability Consultants can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement sustainable solutions for buildings, making them more comfortable, healthy, and environmentally friendly.

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Energy Efficiency Engineer

Energy Efficiency Engineers design and implement strategies to reduce energy consumption in buildings. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a solid foundation in thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Energy Efficiency Engineers. By understanding these principles, Energy Efficiency Engineers can develop and implement energy-efficient solutions that also ensure the comfort and health of building occupants.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and bridges. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect thermal comfort and indoor air quality in buildings. By taking this course, Civil Engineers can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and build buildings that are comfortable, healthy, and sustainable.

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Architect

Architects design and build structures, including buildings. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a solid foundation in thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Architects. By understanding these principles, Architects can design buildings that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and healthy for occupants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental Health Scientists study the relationship between the environment and human health. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a solid foundation in thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Environmental Health Scientists. By understanding these principles, Environmental Health Scientists can develop and implement strategies to protect human health from environmental hazards.

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Public Health Engineer

Public Health Engineers design and implement strategies to protect the health of the public. This course, Comfort and Health in Buildings, provides a solid foundation in thermal comfort and indoor air quality, which are important considerations for Public Health Engineers. By understanding these principles, Public Health Engineers can develop and implement strategies to improve the health of communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Engineer