ABSTRACT
Two key drivers are making consideration of a building’s internal environment ever more vital: the changing climate and the increased thermal performance of the fabric from which the building is built. Equally, increased airtightness standards, controlled background ventilation and even the impact of building fabric on space standards all mean that a careful approach is required to avoid compromising the quality of the internal environment. Housing standards and minimum dwelling and room areas are subject to government and local authority guidance. All dwelling and room areas given are recommended minimum areas. Thermal comfort is the expression of satisfaction with the surrounding thermal environment, usually whether it is hot or cold. The perceived difference between inside and outside summer conditions can be more important than the actual internal summer temperatures. Internal reflectance of daylight - light-colored finishes internally reflect daylight and improve daylighting conditions.
