A recent study shows that gender-bias could affect the operation of office thermostats for heating and cooling. Indoor climate-control is often determined by decades-old standards based on the average metabolic rate of men, which could result in freezing temperatures and women more frequently needing sweaters, blankets, and hot beverages.
The study was published August 3, Monday, in the journal Nature Climate Change. Its title is "Energy Consumption in Buildings and Female Thermal Demand."
Researchers claimed that climate regulations in offices are based on 1960s models, which only factored in the average man's metabolic rate. It is about one-third faster than the average woman's metabolism.
The conclusion of the study's authors was that adjusting buildings' internal temperatures to make both male and female employees comfortable would likely save energy, which could thus combat global warming, according to People. Both researchers are men.
They argued that "thermal comfort models" should include the metabolic rate of females. By lowering the gender bias of warmth comfort, predicting the energy consumption of buildings will be more precise. Making small adjustments to the thermostat can help in energy conservation.
In the study the researchers cite past research indicating that the difference of men's and women's temperature preferences can be up to 5 degrees, according to The Seattle Times. A frequent office temperature is 70 degrees.
The New York Times has pointed out that other factors could cause discomfort for women coworkers in offices. For example, men often wear formal suits and ties, even during the summer; meanwhile, women frequently wear less clothing when the outdoor temperature is high.