GENDER DIFFERENCE HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE OCCUPANTS � PERCEIVED LEVEL OF SATISFACTION OF THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ) IN OFFICE BUILDINGS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Many research studies succeed in establishing the association between the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of an office building and the productivity of the workers and health of the occupants. Despite the vast studies which had been conducted to establish the relationship between IEQ on the perception, level of satisfaction, performance and health of the occupants of the buildings, only few addressed and denoted how gender difference might have an influence on the occupants' level of satisfaction of the IEQ of the building.

The aim of this study is to establish satisfactory indoor environment conditions for occupants based on their gender differences. The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the associations between gender differences and occupants' level of satisfaction on the different IEQ parameters, which are, thermal comfort, lighting, indoor air quality (IAQ), acoustic (noise), office layout and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

From the findings of the literature reviews, the hypotheses of this study are established. H1 - There is a significant difference in the perceived level of satisfaction of at least one indoor environment parameters between genders. H2 - Females are more likely to express their dissatisfactions of the IEQ parameters as compared to males. H3 - Females have a higher prevalence of SBS symptoms.

From the various data analyses, H1 is found to be true as there is a significant relationship between occupants’ perceived level of satisfaction of at least one indoor environment parameters and genders which is temperature. Also, H2 is true as females are significantly more likely to be dissatisfied with temperature as compared to males. Lastly, H3 is true as females are statistically more prevalent to stated SBS symptoms (tired/irritated eyes, irritated, dry or itchy skin and apathy) as compared to males.

However, the accuracy of the data is the main limitation to this study as the study could not address and account for the many other confounding variables such as clothing insulation (clo) and personal fitness and wellness of the occupants.