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PurposeThis paper sets out to understand the impact of the ambient environment on perceived comfort, health, wellbeing and by extension, productivity in the workplace. Design/methodology/approachThe research combined an occupant survey considering satisfaction with the ambient environment, health and wellbeing and workplace behaviour with the monitoring of ambient environmental conditions. FindingsThe paper demonstrates that the ambient environment can have a significant impact on occupant comfort, health and wellbeing, which in turn has implications for built asset performance. Within the ambient environmental factors considered a hierarchy may exist with noise being of particular importance. Occupant behaviour within the workplace was also found to be influential. Research limitationsThe research was limited to a single commercial office building and a wider range of case studies would therefore be of benefit. The research was also limited to the summer months. Practical implicationsThe findings show that an active approach to asset management is required, by continuously monitoring internal environment and engaging with occupants. This must carefully consider how ambient environmental factors and workplace behaviour impact upon occupant's comfort, health and wellbeing in order to ensure the performance of the built asset is maximised. Originality/valueThis paper demonstrates that both occupier's workplace behaviour and ambient environmental conditions can have an impact on occupant comfort, health, wellbeing and productivity. The paper strengthens the case for the active management of the workplace environment through environmental monitoring and behaviour change campaigns supported by corresponding changes to workplace culture.

As regulated energy consumption in buildings is reduced; the proportional importance of unregulated energy consumption increases. Reducing unregulated energy use in the commercial office requires an understanding of the factors that influence workplace behaviour. To date these factors have been assumed to be similar to those that influence behaviour in the home. However, the social dynamics of the workplace are different to that in the home. This study examined the degree to which theories of behaviour change generated largely in a domestic building setting could be used as the basis for designing interventions to reduce unregulated energy consumption in the workplace. The study examined the unregulated energy consumption of 39 workers engaged in office type activities in two separate locations. Following a 100 day monitoring period, three behaviour change interventions were developed and their impact measured over a 100 day period.Results from the study found, on average, an 18.8% reduction in energy use was achieved.Furthermore, by comparing pre and post intervention responses to an environmental questionnaire it was evident that savings were realised without significant changes to pro-environmental attitude or perceived social norms, which may have implications for energy saving interventions in the commercial sector.

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