IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL BUILDING ENVIRONMENTS: A FOCUS ON COMFORT AND ENERGY

This study investigates the relationship between users� comfort and energy consumption in an educational building located in a humid continental climate. Through a year-long monitoring program, we collected data on indoor temperature, humidity, lighting levels, CO2 concentrations, and natural gas consumption. Our analysis revealed that during the heating season, the average indoor temperature was 24.03 degrees Celsius while natural gas consumption reached 41.71 megawatt-hours (MWh). By analyzing the relationship between indoor environmental factors and energy consumption, we have identified a simple, yet very efficient passive strategy to improve building performance. By reducing indoor temperatures by just 1 or 2 degrees Celsius, we can significantly cut energy use. It's a simple step that can make a big difference. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the importance of educating occupants on energy-saving behaviors to complement building-level improvements. By combining these strategies, educational institutions can achieve substantial energy savings while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. The insights from this research can guide building managers, architects, and policymakers in creating healthier and more sustainable educational spaces.