Comparison of workplace environment and energy consumption in green building by improving operation during summer

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether a difference in operations affects comfort and energy efficiency in a green building. In this research, a questionnaire survey, field survey, and analysis of operation data were conducted during the summer of 2013 in an office room installed with several green technologies. In the summer of 2012, the air temperature and relative humidity were set at 27 °C and 45%, respectively, and personal diffusers were used with free control. On July 30 morning in 2013, the relative humidity was set at 40% using desiccant air conditioner and all personal diffusers were switched on. The temperature in the office remained at 26.5-27.9 °C in both years. The humidity fell from 45-55% in 2012 to approximately 40% in 2013. During this year, the number of occupants dissatisfied with the indoor thermal environment decreased by more than 10%. The total amount of primary energy consumption in 2013 decreased or was equal to the amount in 2012. From this result, it can be concluded that using desiccant air conditioner and switching on all personal diffusers in the operation will improve the satisfaction of occupants without increasing the total amount of primary energy consumption.