Though spring is traditionally associated with cleaning and refreshing one’s surroundings, doing so during the year-end transition can provide significant advantages.  A range of possibilities exist in our physical, digital, and mental spaces to reduce clutter and stress while increasing value and productivity.

     Over the past century, many researchers have attempted to quantify the physiological impact of high- and low-temperature environments (see Part 4 and Part 8, respectively).  As knowledge of human biometeorology increased and computational tools became more powerful, the models used became much more sophisticated.  However, models are typically focused on one type of environment – hot or cold – requiring use of multiple indices to accommodate varying conditions.  Other shortcomings in thermal index formulations further limit their utility in highly-variable conditions.
     In this installment of the “Thermal Work Environments” series, indices presented earlier in the series are evaluated and compared.  Additional indices are also considered for recommendation in workplaces.  Finally, a universal index, valid across the foreseeable range of human environmental exposure, is presented.