A recurrent finding from our observations in different buildings is that occupants are completely unaware of most features of the building that are meant to be used by them, and may end up misusing them. Obviously, occupants are also unaware of the effects of such misuses on the environment, and the resources wasted.
An open office has eight active beams in the ceiling for heating and cooling. Four of these are controlled by one thermostat, and located above the perimeter cubicles; while the other four, are controlled by a second thermostat, and serve the interior cubicles. In winter, occupants in the perimeter cubicles complained about feeling cold, while occupants in the interior cubicles felt slightly warm. Some occupants in the perimeter offices were even using 300 W personal heaters (in fact, we have found personal heaters very common in offices). We explained that the cold sensation was probably due to the proximity to the windows. However, when we checked the thermostats settings, we realized that the perimeter thermostat was set to cooling mode of operation, while the interior one was set in heating mode. Occupants were unaware of the presence of these thermostats or that they were allowed to use them!
