Window open or air conditioning on? The climate in office spaces is about far more than just temperature and fresh air. We have summarised the key factors for you.
All information on this page is based on regulations applicable in Germany. Requirements in other countries may differ.
Room temperature
For office spaces, a room temperature between 21 °C and 22 °C is recommended. This temperature range is considered comfortable and conducive to concentration.
More precise requirements are set out in Technical Rule ASR A3.5 “Room temperature”. According to this rule, for predominantly sedentary work with low physical strain (= office work), a minimum temperature of 20 °C must not be undercut. At high outdoor temperatures, values of up to 26 °C are permitted. However, sustained high indoor temperatures can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration.
Larger temperature fluctuations should be avoided. Causes, in addition to outdoor temperatures, include direct solar radiation and heat emitted by technical equipment. Strong fluctuations at the workplace can be counteracted with shading measures such as blinds or sun-protection glazing. Sometimes it may also suffice to ventilate purposefully and to place printers and copiers in a separate room.
Recommendations on sun protection can be found in the publication DGUV Information 215–444 “Sun protection in offices” by the German Social Accident Insurance.
Recommendations on ventilation can be found, for example, on the website of the IFA – Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance.
Surface temperature
Irritation can be caused by body contact with surfaces that have poor thermal conductivity. Glass panels are therefore unsuitable as desktop surfaces.
Humidity
For health reasons, but also to support human performance, appropriate indoor air humidity must be ensured. Relative humidity should remain below 50%, as higher values encourage mould growth.
During the heating season in particular, humidity can fall below 30%. This may lead to dryness of the respiratory tract and skin, as well as burning eyes. During this period, special attention should be paid to adequate ventilation and sufficient fluid intake.
Air quality
The main sources of deteriorating air quality are, on the one hand, pollutants such as emissions from building materials and ozone, and on the other hand, odours caused by insufficient air exchange. The first consequences of poor air quality are fatigue and reduced concentration.
High priority should therefore be given to air quality already during the building design phase. Strict regulations apply to the materials used for furniture. Air conditioning systems can help improve indoor climate. Printers and copiers should be placed in separate or at least screened areas.
Air velocity
At room temperatures of 20 °C to 22 °C, air velocity should not exceed 0.1 m/s to 0.15 m/s. At higher temperatures, a temporary increase in air velocity can be beneficial. Values above 0.2 m/s should be avoided in the long term.
Further information
From the wide range of available information on the air conditioning of workplaces, we have compiled a small selection:
Regulations
- Two Technical Rules on the Workplace Ordinance are dedicated to indoor climate:
> ASR A3.5 – Room temperature
> ASR A3.6 – Ventilation
Download available at www.baua.de.
- A compilation of relevant standards can be found here >
Publications and other resources
- Healthy indoor climate and well-being at the workplace
A brochure published by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) addresses the relationship between climate and health and provides concrete recommendations for designing the indoor climate.
The brochure can be downloaded from the BAuA website. - DGUV Information 215–520 “Office climate – Answers to the most frequently asked questions”
(formerly BGI 7004)
This publication by the German Social Accident Insurance explains basic knowledge and measures for designing the indoor climate in offices. It can be downloaded from the DGUV website.
