How to prevent high temperatures in the workplace

Imagine a hot summer day in the office. The air is still, sweat is dripping, and concentration is waning. Unfortunately, for many, it's not just a single day a year, but a recurring problem. Temperature fluctuations – especially high temperatures – are a real challenge in both public and private offices in Denmark. Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to prevent it.

In this article, we guide you on how to effectively prevent temperature fluctuations in the office . We delve into specific strategies, explain why it's important, and show how intelligent solutions – like the ones we develop at ÅBN – can make a noticeable difference in everyday life.

Why is it important to prevent temperature fluctuations?

A stable indoor climate is not just a question of comfort – it is very much about health, well-being and productivity. According to the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, excessively high temperatures can lead to fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. This affects both employee performance and well-being.

In the long run, poor indoor climate can lead to increased sick leave and lower job satisfaction. And at a time when many companies are struggling to attract and retain skilled employees, it is worth taking indoor climate seriously.

5 strategies to prevent high temperatures in the office

1. The building as the first line of defense: Insulation and design

It starts with the building. If the structure is not properly insulated, heat will quickly penetrate in the summer – and disappear in the winter. According to the Danish Energy Agency and the Building Regulations (BR18-22), good insulation is essential to minimize temperature fluctuations.

You should ensure that the building has:

• Effective insulation materials in walls and roofs
• Double glazing that reduces heat penetration
• Sealing strips around doors and windows

If you are facing a renovation or new construction, you can benefit from considering passive solar shading and natural ventilation into the design from the start.

2. Ventilation and climate control – active regulation

Even with good insulation, temperatures will fluctuate if ventilation is not adapted to the needs. Modern HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) can help keep temperatures stable all year round. According to the Danish Standard , there should be mechanical ventilation with cooling in the summer and heat recovery in the winter.

But it's not just about machines – it's about control. If the systems are not intelligently controlled, you risk overconsumption of energy without any real effect on the indoor climate.

3. Sunscreen and heat protection

Sunlight is nice – but it can also be a major source of overheating. According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, sun protection is one of the most effective ways to reduce heat load in offices.

Consider installing:

• Exterior awnings or blinds
• Interior slats or curtains with reflection
• Green facades with planting that provides shade and cooling

These solutions can reduce the need for cooling while creating a more comfortable and natural working environment.

4. Design the office with the climate in mind

The location of workstations has a major impact on perceived comfort. If the desk is right next to a south-facing window, the risk of overheating is higher – regardless of ventilation and sun protection.

By setting up your office with zones where the temperature can vary slightly, you can accommodate different needs. Some people thrive best in slightly cooler areas, while others prefer the heat. A flexible room layout makes this possible.

5. Use of intelligent systems and monitoring

You can't control what you don't measure. That's why Dansk Facilities Management recommends using sensors to continuously monitor temperature and humidity. With ongoing data, you can fine-tune ventilation and heating/cooling – and react quickly if something changes.

At ÅBN, we have developed intuitive sensors and dashboards that make it easy to understand and act on the indoor climate – almost like checking the weather forecast. Our solution, The Cloud, visualizes indoor climate in real time and helps you prevent both too high and too low temperatures – without you having to be an expert.

Temperature fluctuations and behavior – an overlooked factor

Even with the best technology, human behavior plays a role. Open windows, lights on, and many people in a room can quickly change the temperature. It is therefore important to involve users in the work of creating a stable indoor climate.

Through behavioral change initiatives, you can make employees aware of their role and give them tools to contribute positively. For example, by closing curtains when the sun is directly shining in, or by avoiding blocking ventilation openings.

What do the standards say?

According to the Danish Standard (DS/EN 15251), offices should be designed and operated to ensure thermal comfort. This means that the temperature must be maintained within a range that employees find comfortable – typically between 21–24 °C.

It's not just a question of technology – it's also about management and prioritization. A good facility manager or leader should have indoor climate as a permanent part of their strategy for well-being and sustainability.

How does ÅBN work to prevent temperature fluctuations?

At ÅBN, we believe that a good indoor climate should be as easy to understand as the weather forecast. That's why we've created solutions that combine technology, data and human insight.

With our intuitive sensors and visual dashboards you can:

• Monitor temperature, CO₂ and humidity in real time
• Get notifications for deviations
• Analyze data over time and make better decisions

Read more about our approach to indoor climate in offices and how we help schools, institutions and companies create healthy working environments.

FAQ: Preventing temperature fluctuations in the office