Thermal Comfort and Energy Conservation in Commercial Buildings in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, visitors and local residents alike normally feel that most commercial buildings (e.g. hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and ofJices) are over-cooled in summer. This causes thermal discomfort as well as wasting energy for cooling. This paper reports the findings of a year long thermal comfort survey of a number of commercial premises. It has been found that most spaces have been over-cooled by 3 to 4°C in summer. It has also been found that significant energy could be saved as well as thermal comfort could be improved by raising the indoor air temperatures to those recommended by local and international standards. © 1992 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.