Which organization sets the compliance standards for thermal comfort?

The organization that sets the compliance standards for thermal comfort is ASHRAE, which stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. ASHRAE develops and publishes standards and guidelines that are widely recognized and utilized in the fields of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and building design.

ASHRAE's standards, specifically ASHRAE Standard 55, provide criteria for acceptable thermal environments and outline parameters such as air temperature, humidity, and airflow that contribute to thermal comfort. This standard helps practitioners design spaces that maintain comfortable conditions for occupants, which is critical for health, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

While the other organizations may focus on related aspects of environmental and occupational health, their primary missions diverge from establishing specific standards for thermal comfort. For example, the EPA primarily deals with environmental protection and regulations, OSHA focuses on occupational safety and health, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provides a certification system for sustainability but does not specifically set standards for thermal comfort. Thus, ASHRAE holds the authoritative role in establishing the guidelines and standards necessary for ensuring thermal comfort in building environments.