Thermal Comfort in Naturally Ventilated and Air-Conditioned Classrooms in the Tropics

This dissertation critically examines the applicability of traditional comfort standards in tropical educational settings. Conducted in Hawaii, the study involved over 3,500 students and teachers across 29 classrooms, utilizing surveys, environmental measurements, interviews, and behavioral observations. Findings revealed that most classrooms did not meet the standard’s specified comfort zones; however, more than 80% of occupants reported acceptable thermal conditions, regardless of whether they were in naturally ventilated or air-conditioned environments. This suggests that individuals in tropical climates may adapt to a broader range of thermal conditions than the standard accounts for, indicating potential for energy savings through adjusted thermostat settings and optimized natural ventilation designs. ​