Predicting sex-based thermal sensation differences: a multilevel ordinal regression approach

Building energy consumption plays a major role in global energy use, with a significant portion allocated to maintaining thermal comfort. Yet, many occupants remain dissatisfied with their thermal environment, partly due to the limitations of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, such as Fanger’s PMV model, which does not account for individual differences. This study addresses sex-based differences by re-analysing existing data involving 1,600 participants. Using a multilevel ordinal regression within a Bayesian framework, the results reveal that females exhibit a greater response to temperature than males, suggesting that accounting for sex differences could improve thermal comfort. This research contributes to developing more inclusive thermal comfort standards for occupant well-being and energy efficiency.