Too Hot/Too Cold Building Conditions

It is strongly recommended that each building and/or department designate one person responsible for reporting hot or cold conditions to the Facilities Services Center.

In buildings containing several departments or administrative units, hot and cold complaints should be directed to the Building Manager or Departmental Administrator who, in turn, will inform the Services Center.

The reason we make this request is that, in the absence of a designated person, the Services Center frequently receives conflicting reports from occupants of the same building. Having a single "hot/cold conditions reporter" in each building significantly improves communications between Columbia University Operations and our clients.

In line with the imperative to provide proper environmental stewardship, the University has adopted the following temperature guidelines for work spaces:

Heating Season

The heating season generally is from mid-October to mid-May. In residential spaces New York City has established the heating season as October 1st through May 31st. Heat will be provided to maintain interior temperatures at approximately 68° F during normal occupied hours. In implementing this policy, Facilities seeks to ensure that all heated spaces are as close to 68° F as possible. In practical terms, this means temperatures may be in the 66-72° F range. During off-hours, temperatures may be allowed to drop to as cold as 55° F. A temperature of 68° F has been researched by ASHRAE (Standard 55° - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy) to be comfortable for most people (10% dissatisfaction rate) who are dressed appropriately for the season. Temperature readings are taken at the thermostat or desk level.

Cooling Season

The cooling season generally is from May to October. Cooling is provided to maintain air conditioned facilities at 76° during normal occupied hours. During off-hours, temperatures may rise above this level.

In implementing this policy, Facilities seeks to ensure that all air conditioned spaces are as close to 76° F as possible without being higher than that threshold. In practical terms, this means temperatures may be in the 74-78° F range with a relative humidity of less than 60%.

Temperatures in the 74-78° F range should be comfortable for most people (10% dissatisfaction rate) who are dressed appropriately for the season, as researched by ASHRAE (Standard 55° - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy). Temperature readings are taken at the thermostat or desk level.