Facility management role in thermal adaptability enhancement in Thai Universities

This study examined the role of strategic and operational facility management in thermal adaptability enhancement in educational estates. Individual and organisational ability to adapt to non-air-conditioned environments were assessed using a questionnaire survey of university students and from interviews with facility managers. The aim of the study is to address the risks and opportunities in relation to thermal adaptability enhancement through facility management practice in non-residential buildings. In this study, adaptive thermal comfort theory and mixed-mode operational strategies were adopted in proposing a thermal adaptability assessment tool. The results show that an attempt to satisfy users by overprovision of air-conditioning and some minor building adaptations, e.g. space pre-cooling and removing fans, are the main barriers to enhancing thermal adaptability. The findings suggest that providing a greater diversity of thermal environments rather than fully air-conditioned surroundings would be more beneficial to thermal adaptability enhancement.

Facility management role in thermal adaptability enhancement in Thai Universities. Proceedings of 7th Windsor Conference: The Changing Context of Comfort in an Unpredictable World.

Mongkolsawat, D., Marmot, A., Ucci, M. (2012)

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