Impact of perceived personal control over indoor climate on health and comfort in Dutch offices

Abstract

We questioned 1818 employees of 22 Dutch office buildings about their perception of the indoor environmental quality at their workplace. In this study the data concerning the perception of personal control, perception of indoor climate, and building related illnesses was analyzed. Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of perceived personal control in Dutch offices on perceived health and comfort. Analysis showed a significant (p < 0.05) increased risk of complaints regarding thermal comfort during winter and summer when personal control over the room temperature was 'not possible' or was 'possible but ineffective'. The absence of effective openable windows was related to a significant increased risk of complaints over the indoor air quality and an increased risk of building related symptoms. Our findings suggest that a lack of effective personal control over the indoor climate increases the risk of complaints of building occupants regarding health and comfort.