Outdoor thermal comfort acceptability calibration: A calibration of the PET outdoor thermal comfort index in Singapore: does comfort vary respect to land uses?

Abstract

This report presents the outcome of two biometeorological campaigns aiming to calibrate the Physiological Equivalent Temperature heat stress index (PET) locally against individual thermal perception. PET is widely used in evaluations of heat mitigation strategies. The study also aspired to determine whenever differences in individual thermal sensitivity exist between a commercial and a residential area, and a fortiori a pocket urban park. The campaigns took place during the 2018 and 2019 wet and dry inter-monsoon periods and focused on the Tanjong Pagar mixed-use downtown precinct. The results revealed a significant seasonality in the individual thermal sensitivity and high spatial variations that are recommended to be taken into account when assessing OTC site performance. Surprisingly the pocket urban park presents poor OTC performance compared to the other built-up commercial sites. It can be attributed to the lack of sun shelter at noon despite its green nature.