A subjective experiment to evaluate the effect of thermal satisfaction improvements on productivity by introducing simple individual cooling methods to "COOL BIZ" office condition

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of thermal satisfaction improvements on productivity by introducing cooling methods. A subjective experiment was conducted in a climate chamber conditioned at 25.5°C and 28.5°C. Lighter business wear corresponding to COOLBIZ and three additional individual cooling methods were introduced in the conditions at 28.5°C. Thermal sensation was lowered, thermal satisfaction was improved and fatigue after tasks was decreased, with higher degree of freedom in the selection of individual control of thermal environment. There is a possibility that performance was improved and fatigue was lowered by improving thermal satisfaction of occupants by introducing simple individual cooling methods, even under raised present cooling temperature.