Thermal Comfort
Thermal comfort is the state where the surrounding temperature, humidity, radiation and airflow all feel right. It depends as much on the radiant environment as on air temperature.
Scientific detail
Thermal comfort is defined by ISO 7730 in terms of Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied (PPD), integrating air temperature, mean radiant temperature (MRT), relative humidity, air velocity, clothing insulation and metabolic rate. Passive cooling interventions that reduce MRT (via shading and reflective surfaces) can restore comfort even when air temperature remains elevated.
Related terms
Mean Radiant Temperature
The average temperature of every surface radiating heat toward a person.
Universal Thermal Climate Index
A modern, physiology-based heat index that estimates how the human body actually responds to weather.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
A composite heat index widely used to set safe limits for outdoor work, sport and military training.
Heat Stress
The thermal load a human body experiences from its environment.
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