Can a Building Design Engineer Increase Bottom Line Through Effective Temperature Control?
Studies completed by NASA and OSHA highlight the incredible impact and importance of temperature regulation in workplaces. An area where due to the increasing need of decarbonization, energy-efficient air circulation can make a significant difference.
Costs Associated with High Temperatures
NASA found in a study completed a study measuring the average number of mistakes a telegraph key operator would make while in a constant temperature for a period of 1-3 hours:
- 26.7°C (80°F) resulted in 5 mistakes in the first hour & 19 mistakes over three hours
- 32.2°C (90°F) resulted in 9 mistakes in the first hour & 27 mistakes over three hours
- 35°C (95°F) resulted in 60 mistakes in the first hour & 138 mistakes over three hours
With a 2.8°C (5°F) increase in temperature, the number of mistakes increased by over six times! Imagine the impact that would have over an entire day.
NASA also suggests that at around 35°C (95°F), you’re looking at a 45% nosedive in productivity. That’s huge! Now, picture yourself in the shoes of a worker, moving through your day in such an extreme temperature, be it the sweltering heat or the bone-chilling cold. Both scenarios are far from comfortable, and neither are pretty, right?? It clearly underlines the need for effective temperature management in workplaces. Without it, we’re talking about a domino effect of mistakes, lost productivity, and eventually a higher staff turnover.
"With a 2.8°C (5°F) increase in temperature, the number of mistakes increased by over six times! Imagine the impact that would have over an entire day. "
Health Risk and Safety Concerns of Extreme Temperatures
What about increased injury? OSHA did some digging into this and found that extreme temperatures can double workplace injuries compared to a typical workplace environment. We’re talking about heat stress or symptoms like hypothermia here, leading to a dip in motor skills, and overall performance and a sharp increase in injury risk.
And if that’s not enough, let’s talk turnover – the US Department of Labour found a whopping 44% spike in employee turnover under extreme temperature conditions. That means constantly bringing in new faces, training them, and all the expenses that come with it. The cost implications of not managing temperatures effectively? They’re huge.
So, what’s our game plan here? How do we tackle this? The answer lies in efficient temperature control. Getting constant, comfortable temperatures just right means fewer mistakes, reduced workplace injuries, lower turnover and in all, a boost in productivity. It’s all about creating a workplace environment where employees can thrive, not just survive.
Energy Efficient Air Circulation
In our 25+ years of experience, High-Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) otherwise known as Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans (LDCF) is just a baseline and should be seen as a priority in building design due to comfort for the occupant as well as efficiency of a building. It is the first option, a low-cost item with minimal operating cost that can help cooling in the summer months and de-stratify the heat in the winter months. Additionally, providing an efficient base line only helps you further in the future if additional conditioned air is required as it will distribute the air more effectively, saving you money for many, many years to come.
Our role isn’t only to design efficient systems but also to create work environments that promote well-being and productivity. Emphasizing temperature control through HVLS fans is a step toward achieving this goal.
Understanding the link between temperature and workplace productivity as well as an energy-efficient solution has never been more crucial for Building Design Engineers. If you want to learn more about how you can transform your designs for future projects, contact one of our experts today: https://www.enviranorth.com/contact.html.