SUMMARY

Envelopes with low thermal performance are common characteristics in European historic buildings, leading to higher energy demand and insufficient thermal comfort. This paper presents the results of a study on thermal comfort in the historic office building of City Hall in Gävle, Sweden. It is equipped with two modern heat recovery ventilation systems with displacement ventilation supply devices in offices. District heating network heats the building via pre-heat supply air and radiators. Summer cooling comes from electric heat pump, rejecting heat into the exhaust ventilation air. A building management system controls HVAC equipment. Methodology includes on-site measurements, data logging on management system and evaluating the occupants’ perception of a summer and a winter period indoor environment using a standardized questionnaire. In conclusion, thermal comfort in this historic building is poor although it is equipped with modern ventilation systems and there should be possibilities for improving comfort, by improved control strategies.

Keywords — Historic Buildings, On-site Measurements, Standardized Questionnaire, Thermal Comfort