Indoor Space Temperature Policy
Indoor Space Temperature Policy
Category: Administration and Finance, Facilities and Services
Title: Indoor Space Temperature Policy
Responsible Unit: Facilities and Services
1. Purpose & Scope.
1.1. Purpose: This policy provides a formalized standard for interior space temperatures in all University-owned or operated facilities where the temperature can reasonably be controlled. The policy provides consistent indoor environmental comfort standards that building occupants can rely upon and are based on established standards for human comfort, productivity and safety. These standards are consistent with: (1) the policies of West Virginia University’s peer institutions, (2) standards from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), (3) West Virginia Code, and (4) the University’s educational mission and commitment to environmental stewardship.
1.2. Scope: The temperature range adopted in this policy applies to all University-owned or operated facilities where the temperature can reasonably be controlled. It is the responsibility of Facilities and Services to implement and administer this policy. Select building spaces, such as research, medical and computer room spaces, may require temperatures outside of those established within this policy. It is not the intent of this policy to limit or hinder these uses of building space.
2. Policy.
2.1. The heating season at West Virginia University generally is October 1 through April 30, and the cooling season generally is May 1 through September 30. Recognizing the wide range of heating, ventilation and cooling systems within the University’s facilities, uniform temperatures in a facility may not be attainable; however, Facilities and Services’ goal is to ensure heating and cooling is provided to spaces during their respective seasons to maintain the building temperatures set forth in the chart below
2.1.1. In spaces where individual thermostats or temperature control systems (e.g., air conditioning or heating units) are installed by Facilities and Services, temperatures for such systems generally should be regulated within the temperature ranges set forth the in the chart.
2.1.2. In spaces where cooling systems do not exist, fans or other cooling or ventilation devices may be provided by Facilities and Services for the comfort of building occupants in the cooling season; however, cooling temperatures are not guaranteed.
2.1.3. During Occupied Periods, building temperatures will be set to the Temperature Range for Occupied Periods. Whenever feasible, temperatures will be set back to the Temperature Setpoint for Unoccupied Periods during evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and other unoccupied periods.
| Season | Temperature Range Occupied Periods | Temperature Setpoint Unoccupied Periods |
|---|---|---|
| Heating (winter) | 66°F - 72°F | 55°F - 65°F |
| Cooling (summer) | 70°F - 74°F | 75°F - 85°F |
2.1.4. Buildings that use air conditioning systems for humidity control may be set to as low as 68˚F in the summer to minimize the use of energy needed for the comfort of building occupants.
2.2. Windows in conditioned spaces should remain closed when building conditioning systems are operating.
2.3. The use of personal space heaters by occupants or other heating or cooling devices may present a safety risk, and these devices are prohibited from use unless authorized or provided by Facilities and Services. Unauthorized heating or cooling devices within University-owned or operated facilities may be removed by Facilities and Services.
3. Definitions.
3.1. Occupied Periods means periods of time during the established written operating hours of the building or space as published by Facilities and Services, including any event periods schedule in Facilities and Services’ Facilities Planning and Scheduling software (currently 25Live).
3.2. Unoccupied Periods means any time periods that are not Occupied Periods.
4. Authority.
4.1. BOG Finance and Administration Rule 5.5 – Use of University Facilities
4.2. BOG Policy 11 – Freedom of Expression and Use of Facilities