Influence of indoor environmental quality on the self-estimated performance of office workers in the tropical wet and hot climate of Cameroon. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nematchoua, Modeste Kameni; Ricciardi, Paola; Orosa, José A.; Asadi, Somayeh; Choudhary, Ruchi
• Is Part Of: Journal of building engineering. Volume 21(2019)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Thermal comfort -- Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) -- Self-estimated performance -- Office buildings -- Tropical zones -- Building occupants; Building -- Periodicals; 690.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2018.10.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-7102

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this research is to carry out a meticulous statistical analysis of the impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on self-estimated performanceof workers in the tropical region. An experimental study and questionnaires were adapted in102 offices distributed across 23 buildings in the wet regions of Cameroon. This work was conducted during two seasons (dry and rainy seasons) by using a new adaptive approach in naturally ventilated environments, in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE55), International Standardization Organization (ISO7730), and ISO 10551. The wind speed, air temperature, relative humidity, and the CO2 levels were assessed, and 600 questionnaires were distributed simultaneously. The results showed that the indoor air has an important effect on the office workers' productivity. The self-estimated performance increases when the temperature is between 17.5 and 23.4 °C. The optimum performance was noted when the thermal sensation vote was neutral; meanwhile, the total thermal discomfort was recorded above 28 °C, which drastically reduced the worker's performance. Highlights: The air temperature has significant effect on the office workers' productivity. The optimum performance occurred when the thermal sensation vote was at neutral. Total thermal discomfort was obtained at temperatures above 28 °C. For tsens between − 1 and 1, worker's performance was above 90%.