| Installations of compressor air-conditioning have been increasing in climates where, historically, it was not regarded as necessary. This has contributed to increasing energy consumption and peak electricity demand at a time when the environmental, economic, and social problems associated with electricity consumption have become increasingly apparent. At the same time, alternative, energy-efficient technologies that could reduce the electricity demand associated with cooling face barriers having to do with consumer expectations for thermal comfort and industry standards for cooling performance. In-depth interviews were conducted with people living in a hot climate who chose to substitute passive cooling design for air-conditioning in new homes. Their experiences provide insight into expectations for thermal comfort and the desirability and practical application of alternative cooling technologies. This study explores the historical development of thermal comfort standards and critically examines the science underlying the cooling performance requirements of current building standards. Thermal comfort standards are argued to be the product of an experimental method that presumes the use of air-conditioning and policy direction is proposed that would expand those standards to include a broader range of cooling technologies. |
