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What temperature should an office be?
What temperature should an office be? Is it hot in here? Can we open a window? If you’re in charge of a workspace, these might be questions you hear a lot, especially in the summer.
As temperatures soar across the UK, keeping your office cool becomes essential not just for comfort, but for productivity and wellbeing too. Whether you work in a large commercial space or a small office building, heat can quickly turn your workspace into an uncomfortable environment.
If you’re wondering what temperature an office should be—and how you can achieve it sustainably – read on…
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What temperature should an office be?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there’s no legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK. However, guidelines recommend maintaining a comfortable working temperature, which is generally around 16°C for sedentary work, such as office tasks. When the work involves physical effort, the minimum recommended temperature rises to 13°C.
In summer, the ideal office temperature typically falls between 21°C and 23°C. Temperatures above this range can lead to reduced concentration, increased fatigue, and discomfort among employees.
Six practical tips to keep your office cool this summer
1. Optimise natural ventilation
Before relying on air conditioning, make the most of what you already have. Open windows early in the morning to allow cool air in, and close blinds and windows during the hottest parts of the day to trap that cooler air inside.
2. Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Traditional incandescent bulbs give off heat as a byproduct. Swapping them for LED lighting not only reduces internal heat gain but also cuts your energy bills—supporting your business’s sustainability goals.
3. Upgrade your insulation
It’s not just for winter! Good insulation helps keep heat out as well as in. Consider upgrading wall and roof insulation, and check for gaps in doors and windows. Thermal blinds or solar control films can also help reduce heat gain.
4. Invest in smart temperature controls
Smart thermostats and zoning controls allow you to cool only the areas in use and maintain optimal office temperatures more efficiently. Automation can ensure consistency throughout the day without overcooling.
5. Consider passive cooling systems
If your building is undergoing renovation or retrofitting, look into passive cooling strategies such as green roofs, shaded façades, and cross-ventilation design. These options work well in tandem with energy efficiency upgrades.
6. Designate responsibility
Ensure someone within your organisation has responsibility for heating and cooling settings and understands them.
By implementing these measures, your business can stay cool during the hot summer months while reducing energy usage and cost. Embracing energy-efficient cooling practices not only benefits your bottom line but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future.
“The ESOx energy assessment is excellent. There is some really good, practical advice and a lot we had not considered. It will be a good roadmap for us to make the recommended changes.”
Jake Backus, Common Ground Workspace, Oxford
Ready to improve your office comfort and efficiency?
If you’re wondering, “What temperature should an office be?”, remember—it’s not just about comfort, but also about sustainability and productivity.
Making your premises more energy efficient isn’t just about helping the environment. It can reduce your running costs, save you time, and even improve your staff retention rates.
Get in touch with us today to book a free energy assessment and make your office a cooler, greener place to work this summer.