Thermal comfort guidelines and sustainability in buildings

USI is committed to significantly curbing its energy consumption and reducing its gas and electricity use for heating and cooling.
The first step is to ensure compliance with the international and Canton Ticino regulations governing temperature standards in workspaces.

1. SUMMER DAYS
(with daytime temperatures above 25°)

1.1 Offices
Roller shutters, blinds and windows: these should be lowered, and the slats kept horizontal. During hot weather and in especially at times of direct sunlight, keep windows and shutters or blinds closed. Open only when there is no direct sunlight and at temperatures < 24°. In unoccupied areas, shutters should remain closed; otherwise, tilted at 45°.
Fans, portable air conditioners: as a rule of thumb, they are not allowed, except for authorised exceptions and in the manner that will be indicated.
Air conditioning: only if the temperature in the room exceeds 26° and other measures have been implemented without success.
Remove devices that cause heat (printers etc..) or switch them off completely.

1.2 Classrooms
Where windows can be opened, air the premises briefly after each lesson. Avoid leaving the window open for an extended period.
Air conditioning: only switched on when space is in use.

2. SUMMER NIGHTS
(with daytime temperatures above 25°)

2.1 Offices
Windows: For cooling purposes, it is recommended to tilt windows open (unless there is a threat of thunderstorms and where possible and safe). The occupant should ensure that the slightest amount of rain does not cause damage to personal belongings. If rain is expected or the room is to be closed for more than 1 day, close the windows and shutters.
Air conditioning: off in all cases.
Where possible open office doors to the corridor (Rectorate area, etc.).

2.2 Classrooms and open spaces
Air conditioning must be off and ventilation on.

3. WINTER DAYS
(with daytime temperatures below 15°)

3.1 Offices
Shutters: shutters up, blinds open.
Windows: closed.
Heating: set at 20/21°.
Ventilation: avoid leaving the window open for an extended time.

3.2 Classrooms
Air briefly after each lesson.
Air conditioning: switched off completely, everywhere; only the Logistics service can override it.

4. WINTER NIGHTS
(with temperatures under 10°)

4.1 Offices
Roller shutters: roller shutters down, vertical slats, blinds closed.
Windows: closed.
Heating: set to 18° (check for any rooms used at night).
Ventilation: do not leave windows open for an extended time.
Air conditioning: switch off completely, everywhere.

4.2 Classrooms
Briefly air out after each lesson.

5. MID-SEASON DAYS
(outside temperatures 15-25°)

5.1 Offices
Roller shutters: shutters up, blinds open.
Windows: closed.
Heating: set at 20/21°.
Ventilation: avoid leaving windows open for an extended time.
Air conditioning: switch off completely, everywhere; only the Logistics service can override it.

5.2 Classrooms
Air briefly after each lesson (only if there is no forced ventilation, e.g. smaller classrooms, Main Building, and Canavée).

6. MID-SEASON NIGHTS
(temperature 10-15°)

6.1 Offices
Roller shutters: shutters up, blinds open.
Windows: closed.
Heating: set at 18° (if the room is busy, 20°).
Ventilation: avoid leaving the window open for an extended time.
Air conditioning: switch off completely everywhere; only the Logistics service can override it.

6.2 Classrooms
Air briefly after each lesson.

ASSISTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Evenings: (after 8 pm): USI Security
Mornings:  cleaning services
Checks:     Logistics service

See also the recommendations by Energie Schweiz (attached, in Italian)