IN BUIDINGS AND THEIR RESPONSE TO CLIMATE

ABSTRACT: The interaction of the climatic external variables and the buildings properties determines the occupants ´ perception of the comfort conditions as well as the energy consumption. Recent studies, based on the adaptive model have demonstrated that behavioural and psychological factors have a direct relationship in people’s perception of hyrothermal comfort. This research work presents a field study carried out in an experimental controlled ambient chamber with individuals exposed to typical hot humid conditions. The occupant’s perception has been estimated using questionnaires concurrently under a given set of conditions and compared with the case of the influence of air movement at a typical speed. The results have shown that by implementing air movement indoors, the upper comfort zone limit can be extended from 4 to 6 K. This extension represents a significant contribution for reducing energy consumption in buildings, particularly in hot regions and this can lead to other economic and global environmental benefits, aimed at achieving sustainability and people’s quality of living