International standards for the thermal environment. Where are we and what is still needed?

On the international level, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) are writing and reviewing standards related to the indoor environment on a regular basis. This presentation will focus on the development of standards for the indoor thermal environment. In the future, recommendations for acceptable indoor environments will be specified as classes. This allows for national differences in the requirements and also for the design of buildings for different quality levels. It will also require a better dialogue between the client (builder, owner) and the designer. The way in which people may adapt to accept higher indoor temperatures during summer in naturally ventilated (free running) buildings is under discussion. If criteria were to be met for 100% of the time of occupancy, including under extreme weather conditions, the heating and/or cooling capacity of any HVAC installation would be prohibitive. Economic and/or environmental considerations lead to a more pragmatic approach, allowing the indoor conditions to exceed the recommended range[s for a limited period. There is, however, a need for a long-term evaluation method for the indoor environment. Many of the standards have been developed, mainly by experts from Europe, North America and Japan. Are there perhaps special considerations related to Asia (lifestyle, outdoor climate, economy) that are not dealt with in these standards and that will require revision of existing standards? Critical issues are adaptation, the effect of increased air velocity, humidity, type of indoor pollutant sources, etc.