 The University has received a number of complaints as temperatures in the John Galsworthy Building shifted between 27°C and 17°C.
Students and staff sweltered and shivered in the John Galsworthy Building this week, despite the university's assurances that heating problems were being tackled. Temperatures rose to 27°C (81°F) in some rooms and fell to 17°C (63°F) in others. At the beginning of the semester, KUSCO (Kingston University Services Company Ltd), which manages the university's heating, cooling and ventilation systems, received a slew of complaints about overheated and overcooled rooms in the university's new flagship building. Tim Bretherick, KUSCO’s General Manager, told RiverOnline earlier this month that the cause had been identified, and they were working to rectify the problem. Temperatures of over 25°C are also common in other parts of the Penrhyn Road campus. The library is a particular hot spot. Third-year pharmacology student Derrick complained to RiverOnline: "There are lots of computers and bodies in the library, so it gets really hot." His fellow student AJ added: "How can you study if you're boiling hot?" Scientific evidence confirms that raising temperatures from 20°C to just 25°C impairs people’s performance in both academic and office work. Overheating and poor ventilation can also trigger headaches, irritability and fatigue, and can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. In winter, the contrast with outdoor temperatures and the wearing of warmer clothing can worsen the effects of only slightly raised indoor temperatures. In a statement this month, Kingston University said: “We are committed to providing comfortable surroundings for our students and staff. As such, the University is continuing to invest millions of pounds in campus developments over the next few years to improve the physical environment.” The university has recently commissioned an audit of the Building Management System, and it plans to introduce methods of remotely identifying problems, with an alarm that kicks in when temperatures go above or below certain set points. In the meantime, KUSCO needs to be informed whenever interior air temperatures are uncomfortably hot or cold. Email the FM (Facilities Management) helpdesk on
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or phone them on extension 63322. Mr Bretherick is happy to discuss more specific areas of concern. He can be contacted through the switchboard.
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