Indoor climate in buildings

Frequently asked questions, problems and tips

• Working Conditions Act and indoor climate

   The Working Conditions Act states that the temperature cannot cause damage to the employees’ health. There are no concrete legal limits determined. However, it is established that the employer must generally aim for good working conditions, unless this is not reasonably attainable. Further, the Working Conditions Act states that sufficient and uncontaminated air should be present and employees cannot be exposed to bothersome draught. More information: Arbo portal – tocht (in Dutch).

• Indoor climate standards winter season

  Temperature winter (heating) season

  Adjustability of the temperature in a room is important. A base temperature of ca. 20°C with manual adjustability and an adjusting range of +/- 2°C relative to the base temperature is most common. This means that the room temperature can be set between 19-22°C. It should be taken into account though, that the temperature adjustment can happen somewhat slowly. This also depends on the type of climate system and the method of temperature adjustment.

  The adjustability is important because an employee who spends their entire day behind the computer, has a different climate experience and exertion to an employee who is more mobile.

  During the winter season, (eye) complaints about ‘dry air’ can arise. To limit complaints about dry air, it is recommended to not apply too high temperatures (ca. 20-21 °C) during winter. (Paper) dust in the workspace or poor cleaning may also lead to dry air complaints or respiratory symptoms. See also the page on copiers.

• Indoor climate standards summer season

  Temperature summer season

  For mildly physical office work, the upper limit is ca. 26-27˚C. In case of a very high outside temperature (e.g. heatwave) though, exceeding the maximum indoor temperature may not be avoided. After all, every installation has a maximum capacity. For this reason, prevent overcrowding in office rooms (too many appliances and/or too many people). If the sun shines through the windows, it can considerably heat up directly behind the glass. Using the blinds present can significantly limit the temperature burden.

  Cold complains during summer

  Cold complaints can arise during summer through an indoor temperature that is too low compared to the outdoor temperature. The indoor temperature is then perceived as too low because of people wearing summer clothing and becoming used to higher outdoor temperatures. A temperature difference of ca. 5-6˚C between indoors and outdoors is acceptable (e.g. 23˚C indoors and 28˚C outdoors).

• Ventilation

  Employees notice too little ventilation or too much recirculation of air by stuffy air, drowsiness or headaches. In a (small) room, the odour nuisance will increase as well when there is not enough ventilation. That may indicate that the CO₂ concentration is relatively high. Dry air complaints may also arise because of this. VU Amsterdam maintains a CO₂ upper limit of 900 ppm. For more information on the ventilation view the Corporate Real Estates and Facilities page (in Dutch).

• Satisfaction about the indoor climate

  Despite all care for the installations, there can still be complaints about heat, cold, dryness, or the experience of a stuffy/not fresh air. This can be caused by the outside temperature, but also draught, heat radiation from the sun, clothing and the amount of exertion. Personal factors play an important role as well. It may not always be possible to create an optimal climate for everyone. For example, think of workstations in large open spaces or reception desks. Sometimes, the cause of the complaints is unclear, e.g. in case of respiratory, eye or skin issues that may also be individual. Taking a wider view at other factors, such as lighting, insufficient blinking during (prolonged) computer work, positioning of the workstation relative to ventilation grids etc. is important in these cases.

• What can you do yourself?

  Experiencing a comfortable indoor climate is partly determined by the technical abilities of installations in buildings, but depends on many more factors and preferences. There are several factors you can have an influence on yourself, such as:

  • Choice of clothing (warm or less warm clothing) can also be important for comfort levels. Depending on the situation, employees also have a responsibility in this regard.
  • Avoid covering or shielding radiators (e.g. with desks), so that the warm air can mix with the cold air from the windows. Place desks at some distance from windows or radiators.
  • Do not cover ventilation grids. If there is insufficient ventilation or too much air recirculation, employees will notice this in the form of stuffy, stale air. In a (small) room, insufficient ventilation will also increase odour nuisance.
  • In workplace concepts with flexible use of workstations, there may be some local differences in the indoor climate. For example, a workstation right next to a radiator, window or air vent may have a slightly warmer or cooler climate. Employees can use these differences to help them choose a workstation.
  • Where there is local discomfort, pay particular attention to draughts caused by the location of air vents above or near the workstation. Moving the workstation may be a solution, or increasing the air temperature (via FCO).
  • Complaints about dry air are often caused by air pollution, such as (paper) dust (e.g. excessive storage in workplaces, poor cleaning (facilities), printers or excessive temperatures. Ensure that the workplace is tidy so that it can be cleaned properly. Remove old dead plants from the room, as they contain mould and can give off a smell of decay.
  • Laser printers and copiers (multifunctional devices) are widely used in offices. Employees quickly experience complaints about the air from this equipment when it is blown directly at them. This air is warm and dry and often contains paper dust. Exposure to paper dust can cause dry air complaints or respiratory complaints. Therefore, do not place printers on or near workstations. Please also read the page Working safely with printers/copiers.

• Complaints

  Do you have any complaints about the indoor climate? Then contact the Corporate Real Estates and Facilities Service Desk frontoffice.fco@vu.nl, or report it via Reporting a technical problem or defect.

Misschien ben je hier ook naar op zoek?