ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum g to

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010

Thermal Environmental
Conditions for
Human Occupancy

Approved by the ASHRAE Standards Committee on February 15, 2013; by the ASHRAE Board of Directors on February 26,
2013; and by the American National Standards Institute on February 27, 2013.

This addendum was approved by a Standing Standard Project Committee (SSPC) for which the Standards Committee has estab-
lished a documented program for regular publication of addenda or revisions, including procedures for timely, documented, con-
sensus action on requests for change to any part of the standard. The change submittal form, instructions, and deadlines may be
obtained in electronic form from the ASHRAE website (www.ashrae.org) or in paper form from the Manager of Standards.

The latest edition of an ASHRAE Standard may be purchased on the ASHRAE website (www.ashrae.org) or from ASHRAE Cus-
tomer Service, 1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305. E-mail: [email protected]. Fax: 404-321-5478. Telephone: 404-
636-8400 (worldwide), or toll free 1-800-527-4723 (for orders in US and Canada). For reprint permission, go to
www.ashrae.org/permissions.

© 2013 ASHRAE ISSN 1041-2336

 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.

ASHRAE Standing Standard Project Committee 55

Cognizant TC: TC: 2.1, Physiology and Human Environment
SPLS Liaison: Steven F. Bruning

Gwelen Paliaga, Chair* Gail S. Brager Brian M. Lynch

John L. Stoops, Vice Chair* Richard de Dear Michael P. O’Rourke*
Sahar Abbaszadeh Fard, Secretary* Josh Eddy Abhijeet Pande*
Peter F. Alspach* Thomas B. Hartman* Julian Rimmer*
Edward A. Arens* Daniel Int-Hout, III* Stefano Schiavon
Richard M. Aynsley* Michael A. Humphreys Lawrence J. Schoen*
Robert Bean* Essam Eldin Khalil* Peter Simmonds*
Atze Boerstra Baizhan Li Stephen C. Turner*

*Denotes members of voting status when the document was approved for publication

ASHRAE STANDARDS COMMITTEE 2012–2013

Kenneth W. Cooper, Chair Julie M. Ferguson Janice C. Peterson
William F. Walter, Vice-Chair Krishnan Gowri Heather L. Platt
Douglass S. Abramson Cecily M. Grzywacz Ira G. Poston
Karim Amrane Richard L. Hall Douglas T. Reindl
Charles S. Barnaby Rita M. Harrold James R. Tauby
Hoy R. Bohanon, Jr. Adam W. Hinge James K. Vallort
Steven F. Bruning Debra H. Kennoy Craig P. Wray
David R. Conover Jay A. Kohler Charles H. Culp, III, BOD ExO
Steven J. Emmerich Rick A. Larson Constantinos A. Balaras, CO
Mark P. Modera
Stephanie C. Reiniche, Manager of Standards
SPECIAL NOTE
This American National Standard (ANS) is a national voluntary consensus standard developed under the auspices of ASHRAE.
Consensus is defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), of which ASHRAE is a member and which has approved this
standard as an ANS, as “substantial agreement reached by directly and materially affected interest categories. This signifies the concurrence
of more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered, and that an
effort be made toward their resolution.” Compliance with this standard is voluntary until and unless a legal jurisdiction makes compliance
mandatory through legislation.
ASHRAE obtains consensus through participation of its national and international members, associated societies, and public review.
ASHRAE Standards are prepared by a Project Committee appointed specifically for the purpose of writing the Standard. The Project
Committee Chair and Vice-Chair must be members of ASHRAE; while other committee members may or may not be ASHRAE members, all
must be technically qualified in the subject area of the Standard. Every effort is made to balance the concerned interests on all Project
Committees.
The Manager of Standards of ASHRAE should be contacted for:
a. interpretation of the contents of this Standard,
b. participation in the next review of the Standard,
c. offering constructive criticism for improving the Standard, or
d. permission to reprint portions of the Standard.

DISCLAIMER
ASHRAE uses its best efforts to promulgate Standards and Guidelines for the benefit of the public in light of available information and
accepted industry practices. However, ASHRAE does not guarantee, certify, or assure the safety or performance of any products, components,
or systems tested, installed, or operated in accordance with ASHRAE’s Standards or Guidelines or that any tests conducted under its
Standards or Guidelines will be nonhazardous or free from risk.

ASHRAE INDUSTRIAL ADVERTISING POLICY ON STANDARDS

ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines are established to assist industry and the public by offering a uniform method of testing for rating
purposes, by suggesting safe practices in designing and installing equipment, by providing proper definitions of this equipment, and by providing
other information that may serve to guide the industry. The creation of ASHRAE Standards and Guidelines is determined by the need for them,
and conformance to them is completely voluntary.
In referring to this Standard or Guideline and in marking of equipment and in advertising, no claim shall be made, either stated or implied,
that the product has been approved by ASHRAE.

ASHRAE is a registered trademark of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
ANSI is a registered trademark of the American National Standards Institute.
 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.

(This foreword is not part of this standard. It is merely 5.3.1.2. Occupants are engaged in near-sedentary physi-
informative and does not contain requirements necessary cal activities, with metabolic rates ranging from 1.0 to 1.3 met.
for conformance to the standard. It has not been See Normative Appendix A for estimation of metabolic rates.
processed according to the ANSI requirements for a
…
standard and may contain material that has not been
subject to public review or a consensus process. Add a new Section 5.2 and renumber the existing Section 5.2
Unresolved objectors on informative material are not and subsequent sections, figures, and tables.
offered the right to appeal at ASHRAE or ANSI.)
5.2 Method for Determining Occupant Characteristics
FOREWORD 5.2.1 Metabolic Rate
This addendum clarifies the normative requirements for 5.2.1.1 Rate for Each Representative Occupant. For
determining metabolic rates for representative occupants and
each representative occupant, determine the metabolic rate
moves these normative requirements to the body of the Stan-
associated with the occupant’s activities. Activities of several
dard. It adds a new informative appendix containing similar
material that was previously in Normative Appendix A. occupants with significantly different activities shall not be
averaged to find a single, average metabolic rate.
Note: In this addendum, changes to the current standard
are indicated in the text by underlining (for additions) and Example: The customers in a restaurant may have a meta-
strikethrough (for deletions) unless the instructions specifi- bolic rate near 1.0 met, while the servers may have a
cally mention some other means of indicating the changes. metabolic rate closer to 2.0 met. Each of these groups of
occupants shall be considered separately in determining
Addendum g to Standard 55-2010
the conditions required for comfort. In some situations
Revise the note in Section 5.1 as follows. (Reference such as this, it will not be possible to provide an accept-
Addenda b and d to Standard 55-2010 published for free on able level or the same level of comfort to all disparate
the ASHRAE website at www.ashrae.org/standards- groups of occupants.
research--technology/standards-addenda.) 5.2.1.2 Rate Determination. Use one or a combination
… of the following methods to determine metabolic rate.
Note: Complete descriptions of the six factors are
a. The data presented in Table 5.2.1.2 for the task most com-
presented in Section 5.4 and Normative Appendices A and B.
The first two are characteristics of the occupant and the parable to the activity of the representative occupant.
remaining four are conditions of the thermal environment. Where a range is given, select a single value within that
… range based on the characteristics of the activity.
b. Interpolate between or extrapolate from the values given
Delete the notes from Sections 5.2.1.1, 5.2.1.2, and 5.3.1.2 in Table 5.2.1.2.
as follows. (Reference Addenda b and d to Standard 55-
2010 published for free on the ASHRAE website at c. Use estimation and/or measurement methods described
www.ashrae.org/standards-research--technology/standards in Chapter 9 of ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals3.
-addenda.) d. Use other approved engineering or physiological meth-
ods.
5.2.1.1 Graphic Comfort Zone Method for Typical
Indoor Environments. Use of this method shall be limited to
5.2.1.3 Time-Weighted Averaging. Use a time-
representative occupants with metabolic rates between 1.0 and
weighted average metabolic rate for individuals with activi-
1.3 met, and clothing insulation between 0.5 and 1.0 clo, in
spaces with air speeds less than 0.2 m/s (40 ft/min). ties that vary. Such averaging shall not be applied when an
(Note: See Normative Appendix A for estimation of activity persists for more than one hour. In that case, two dis-
metabolic rates and Normative Appendix B for estimation of tinct metabolic rates shall be used.
clothing insulation. Most office spaces fall within these limi- Example: A person who spends 30 minutes out of each
tations.) hour “lifting/packing,” 15 minutes “filing, standing,”
... and 15 minutes “walking about” has an average meta-
5.2.1.2 Computer Model Method for General Indoor bolic rate of 0.50 × 2.1 + 0.25 × 1.4 + 0.25 × 1.7 =
Application. It is permissible to apply the method in this 1.8 met. However, a person who is engaged in “lifting/
section to spaces where the occupants have activity levels that packing” for more than one hour and then “filing, stand-
result in average metabolic rates between 1.0 and 2.0 met and
ing” for more than one hour shall be treated as having
where clothing is worn that provides 1.5 clo or less of thermal
two distinct metabolic rates.
insulation. See Normative Appendix A for estimation of meta-
bolic rates and Normative Appendix B for estimation of cloth- 5.2.1.4 High Metabolic Rates. This standard does not
ing insulation. apply to occupants whose time-averaged metabolic rate
… exceeds 2.0 met.

ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum g to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 1

 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.

TABLE 5.2.1.2 Metabolic Rates for Typical Tasks

Metabolic Rate
Activity
Met Units W/m2 (Btu/h·ft2)
Resting
Sleeping 0.7 40 (13)
Reclining 0.8 45 (15)
Seated, quiet 1.0 60 (18)
Standing, relaxed 1.2 70 (22)
Walking (on level surface)
0.9 m/s, 3.2 km/h, 2.0 mph 2.0 115 (37)
1.2 m/s, 4.3 km/h, 2.7 mph 2.6 150 (48)
1.8 m/s, 6.8 km/h, 4.2 mph 3.8 220 (70)
Office Activities
Reading, seated 1.0 55 (18)
Writing 1.0 60 (18)
Typing 1.1 65 (20)
Filing, seated 1.2 70 (22)
Filing, standing 1.4 80 (26)
Walking about 1.7 100 (31)
Lifting/packing 2.1 120 (39)
Driving/Flying
Automobile 1.0–2.0 60–115 (18–37)
Aircraft, routine 1.2 70 (22)
Aircraft, instrument landing 1.8 105 (33)
Aircraft, combat 2.4 140 (44)
Heavy vehicle 3.2 185 (59)
Miscellaneous Occupational Activities
Cooking 1.6–2.0 95–115 (29–37)
House cleaning 2.0–3.4 115–200 (37–63)
Seated, heavy limb movement 2.2 130 (41)
Machine work
sawing (table saw) 1.8 105 (33)
light (electrical industry) 2.0–2.4 115–140 (37–44)
heavy 4.0 235 (74)
Handling 50 kg (100 lb) bags 4.0 235 (74)
Pick and shovel work 4.0–4.8 235–280 (74–88)
Miscellaneous Leisure Activities
Dancing, social 2.4–4.4 140–255 (44–81)
Calisthenics/exercise 3.0–4.0 175–235 (55–74)
Tennis, single 3.6–4.0 210–270 (66–74)
Basketball 5.0–7.6 290–440 (90–140)
Wrestling, competitive 7.0–8.7 410–505 (130–160)

2 ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum g to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010

 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.

Modify Section 6.2 as follows. Delete the existing Normative Appendix A and replace it
with the following new Informative Appendix A. Also
6.2 Documentation. The method and design conditions
update the table of contents to reflect this change.
appropriate for the intended use of the building shall be
selected and documented as follows. (This appendix is not part of this standard. It is merely
Note: Some of the requirements in items 1–4 below may informative and does not contain requirements necessary
not be applicable to naturally conditioned buildings. for conformance to the standard. It has not been
processed according to the ANSI requirements for a
1. The design operative temperature and humidity (includ- standard and may contain material that has not been
ing any tolerance or range), the design outdoor conditions subject to public review or a consensus process.
(see 2009 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals,3 Chap- Unresolved objectors on informative material are not
ter 14, “Climatic Design Information”), and total indoor offered the right to appeal at ASHRAE or ANSI.)
loads shall be stated. The design exceedance level (the
number of hours per year where conditions exceed INFORMATIVE APPENDIX A—
Section 5 criteria) shall be documented based on the USE OF METABOLIC RATE DATA
design conditions used in design. At a minimum, the The data presented in Table 5.2.1.2 are reproduced from
hours of each seasonal exceedance associated with the Chapter 9 of the 2009 ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals3.
outdoor weather percent design conditions (see 2009 The values in the table represent typical metabolic rates per
ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals,3 Chapter 14) used unit of skin surface area for an average adult (DuBois area =
in design shall be stated. In complex and/or passive 1.8 m2, or 19.6 ft2) for activities performed continuously. This
systems, hours of exceedance may need to be calculated Handbook chapter provides additional information for esti-
using a dynamic thermal simulation that predicts indoor mating and measuring activity levels. General guidelines for
the use of these data follow.
conditions for every hour of the year.
Every activity that may be of interest is not included in
2. Values assumed for comfort parameters used in the calcu-
this table. Users of this standard should use their judgment to
lation of design temperatures, including clothing, meta-
match the activities being considered to comparable activities
bolic rate, and indoor-air speed, shall be clearly stated.
in the table. Some of the data in this table are reported as a
The clo level for the clothing of occupants intended to be range and some as a single value. The format for a given entry
satisfied shall be documented, including different clo is based on the original data source and is not an indication of
levels for different seasons. The metabolic rate of occu- when a range of values should or should not be utilized. For all
pants intended to be satisfied shall be documented. activities except sedentary activities, the metabolic rate for a
Where different clo levels or metabolic rates are antici- given activity is likely to have a substantial range of variation
pated in different spaces or at different times, these that depends on the individual performing the task and the
assumptions shall be documented. If an acceptable level circumstances under which the task is performed.
of comfort is not being provided to any representative It is permissible to use a time-weighted average metabolic
occupants, this shall be stated in the design documenta- rate for individuals with activities that vary over a period of
tion. Where Table 5.2.1.2 gives a range, record the basis one hour or less. For example, a person who typically spends
for selecting a single value within that range. 30 minutes out of each hour “lifting/packing,” 15 minutes
3. Local discomfort effects are difficult to calculate due to “filing, standing,” and 15 minutes “walking about” has an
limitations in thermal modeling tools, but can be esti- average metabolic rate of 0.50 × 2.1 + 0.25 × 1.4 + 0.25 × 1.7
mated with simplified assumptions. Local discomfort = 1.8 met. Such averaging should not be applied when the
period of variation is greater than one hour. For example, a
shall be addressed by, at a minimum, a narrative explana-
person who is engaged in “lifting/packing” for more than one
tion of why an effect is not likely to exceed Section 5
hour and then “filing, standing” for more than one hour should
limits. When a design has asymmetric thermal conditions be treated as having two distinct metabolic rates.
(e.g., radiant heating/cooling, areas of glazing that are
As metabolic rates increase above 1.0 met, the evapora-
above 50% window-to-wall ratio, additional air move-
tion of sweat becomes an increasingly important factor for
ment, stratified displacement cooling), a calculation of thermal comfort. The PMV method does not fully account for
related local discomfort effects shall be included. At a this factor, and this standard should not be applied to situations
minimum, documentation shall identify the design condi- where the time-averaged metabolic rate is above 2.0 met.
tion analyzed for each local discomfort effect and any Note: Rest breaks (scheduled or hidden) or other operational
simplifying assumptions used in the calculation. factors (get parts, move products, etc.) combine to limit time-
4. The system input or output capacities necessary to attain weighted metabolic rates to about 2.0 met in most applica-
the design indoor thermal comfort conditions stated in tions.
Item 1 above at design outdoor conditions shall be stated. Time averaging of metabolic rates only applies to an indi-
vidual. The metabolic rates associated with the activities of
Note: See Informative Appendix G for sample compli- various individuals in a space may not be averaged to find a
ance documentation. single, average metabolic rate to be applied to that space. The

ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum g to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 3

 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
transmission in either print or digital form is not permitted without ASHRAE's prior written permission.

range of activities of different individuals in the space, and the comfort. In some situations, it will not be possible to provide
environmental conditions required for those activities, should an acceptable level or the same level of comfort to all disparate
be considered in applying this standard. For example, the groups of occupants (e.g., restaurant customers and servers).
customers in a restaurant may have a metabolic rate near The metabolic rates in Table 5.2.1.2 were determined
1.0 met, while the servers may have a metabolic rate closer to when the subjects’ thermal sensation was close to neutral. It is
2.0 met. Each of these groups of occupants should be consid- not yet known the extent to which people may modify their
ered separately in determining the conditions required for metabolic rate to decrease warm discomfort.

4 ANSI/ASHRAE Addendum g to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2010

 © ASHRAE (www.ashrae.org). For personal use only. Additional reproduction, distribution, or
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POLICY STATEMENT DEFINING ASHRAE’S CONCERN

FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ITS ACTIVITIES

ASHRAE is concerned with the impact of its members’ activities on both the indoor and outdoor environment. ASHRAE’s
members will strive to minimize any possible deleterious effect on the indoor and outdoor environment of the systems and
components in their responsibility while maximizing the beneficial effects these systems provide, consistent with accepted
standards and the practical state of the art.
ASHRAE’s short-range goal is to ensure that the systems and components within its scope do not impact the indoor and
outdoor environment to a greater extent than specified by the standards and guidelines as established by itself and other
responsible bodies.
As an ongoing goal, ASHRAE will, through its Standards Committee and extensive technical committee structure,
continue to generate up-to-date standards and guidelines where appropriate and adopt, recommend, and promote those new
and revised standards developed by other responsible organizations.
Through its Handbook, appropriate chapters will contain up-to-date standards and design considerations as the material is
systematically revised.
ASHRAE will take the lead with respect to dissemination of environmental information of its primary interest and will seek
out and disseminate information from other responsible organizations that is pertinent, as guides to updating standards and
guidelines.
The effects of the design and selection of equipment and systems will be considered within the scope of the system’s
intended use and expected misuse. The disposal of hazardous materials, if any, will also be considered.
ASHRAE’s primary concern for environmental impact will be at the site where equipment within ASHRAE’s scope
operates. However, energy source selection and the possible environmental impact due to the energy source and energy
transportation will be considered where possible. Recommendations concerning energy source selection should be made by
its members.
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