Thesis Question:

What differences can be made to the office environment to reduce energy consumption while still maintaining the optimal comfort level for the majority?

Original Visual

Here is a sketch of a typical office space with some design modifications that will help reduce the tenant users energy usage. These small changes can make a huge difference without a lot of hassle.

Simple solutions

There has been a boom of businesses and commercial buildings taking an interest in being more green and less reliant on the earth's resources. Here is a simple solution that could cut down the International Building's energy consumption during the summer months.

air vent locations

Photo courtesy of Tom Arban

Here is a picture of the 3rd floor in the Brown Family House of Learning. One of the contributing factors to the warm, humid air in the building are the air flow vents being placed on the floor. Dirt and debris collects in these vents within a matter of days blocking the air circulation. Placing the vents on the walls would've been a better design when this building was being built. 

HOL energy usage

This is the up to date energy consumption graph from Builtspace. The building is the House of Learning, which is our greenest building on campus.  

Narrowing it Down

For my research I am trying to find one question that really encompasses my topic on energy consumption an d how to make offices more efficient. Any input would be much appreciated.

update

Just an update on the Builtspace project. We received mini solar thermometers to help the staff in the House of Learning monitor their office temperatures. Yesterday I evenly distributed a handful throughout the building  in the hopes of getting more feedback on the temperature in the work space to see how it matches up with the facilities temperature gauges. Hopefully by next week I can do a comparison!