EQ Credit: Thermal Comfort (1 Point)
👉 “Comfort = 6 factors + user control
👉 This credit ensures people feel comfortable inside the building
Not just temperature—but a combination of factors
🎯 Intent
To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, and well-being
⭐ Exam Tip: These 3 words are often tested together
🔑 CORE REQUIREMENT
Projects must meet BOTH:
Requirement | Meaning |
Thermal Comfort Design | Design conditions properly |
Thermal Comfort Control | Give occupants control |
👉 Possible Question Alert
🌡️ THE 6 FACTORS OF THERMAL COMFORT
These define how people actually feel:
Factor | Explanation |
Air temperature | How hot/cold the air is |
Radiant temperature | Heat from surfaces |
Humidity | Moisture in air |
Air speed | Air movement |
Clothing | What people wear |
Metabolic rate | Activity level |
📊 PART 1: THERMAL COMFORT DESIGN
🔹 Two Compliance Options
Option | Standard | Where Used |
Option 1 | ASHRAE 55-2010 | Most common (U.S.) |
Option 2 | ISO / CEN standards | International projects |
🔹 What Design Must Address
- HVAC systems
- Building envelope
- Occupant conditions
👉 Goal: Maintain comfort under expected conditions
🎛️ PART 2: THERMAL COMFORT CONTROL
🔹 What This Means
Occupants must have control over their environment
📊 EXAMPLES OF CONTROLS
Space Type | Control Type |
Individual spaces | Thermostat |
Shared spaces | Group controls |
Natural ventilation | Operable windows |
Shading | Blinds, shades |
⚠️ KEY RULE
👉 Controls must be provided for:
- Individual occupant spaces
- Shared multi-occupant spaces
🧠 IMPLEMENTATION FLOW
- Set comfort goals
- Choose system (HVAC/natural)
- Apply standard (ASHRAE/ISO)
- Provide user controls
💡 REAL-WORLD STRATEGY
- Flexible dress code = wider temperature range
- Better envelope = more stable comfort
- Smart controls = energy + comfort
⚠️ COMMON EXAM TRAPS
Trap | Reality |
Only temperature matters | ❌ 6 factors matter |
Only design required | ❌ Must include controls |
ASHRAE only option | ❌ ISO/CEN also allowed |
Controls optional | ❌ Required |
Same controls for all spaces | ❌ Depends on space type |
🧠 SUPER SIMPLE SUMMARY
👉 Comfort = Design + Control
👉 Design = follow standard
👉 Control = give users control
Official FAQs
Which standard is commonly used for thermal comfort design in LEED?
B. ASHRAE 55
C. SMACNA
D. CIBSE
✅ Answer: B
Which of the following is NOT one of the six thermal comfort factors?
B. Humidity
C. Lighting level
D. Clothing
✅ Answer: C
A building meets ASHRAE 55 but occupants cannot adjust temperature. Does it comply?
B. No
C. Only for residential
D. Only if HVAC is efficient
✅ Answer: B
A naturally ventilated building provides operable windows. What requirement does this support?
B. Thermal comfort control
C. IAQ testing
D. Daylighting
✅ Answer: B
A project increases air speed instead of lowering temperature. What is this demonstrating?
B. Ignoring standards
C. Adjusting thermal comfort factors
D. Increased energy use
✅ Answer: C
A project provides thermostats only in private offices but not in conference rooms. What is the issue?
B. Violates design requirement
C. Missing controls for shared spaces
D. HVAC inefficiency
✅ Answer: C
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