A recent study conducted by Sri Rahma Apriliyanthi and a team from various universities examined occupants' adaptive behaviors (OABs) in relation to thermal acceptability within Indonesia's hot-humid climate, utilizing data from a survey of 3,000 respondents.

The research employed a cross-sectional online survey, approved by Hiroshima University's ethics committee, focusing on residential data to minimize bias from workplace influences on OABs.

Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore how OABs affect thermal acceptability, with variations noted based on air conditioning (AC) ownership and local climate conditions.

In residences with air conditioning, the window opening intensity reached 87%, whereas naturally ventilated homes averaged 91%, indicating a strong preference for natural ventilation despite the availability of AC.

The findings revealed that occupants of naturally ventilated homes typically rely on fans and open windows for cooling, while those in air-conditioned environments are more inclined to adjust their clothing and use portable fans.

Survey results indicated that residents in AC homes reported a thermal acceptability rate of 79%, compared to a lower rate of 70% among those in naturally ventilated homes.

The study found that OABs varied significantly by climate group, with occupants in hotter climates frequently adjusting their clothing, while those in neutral climates primarily engaged in similar clothing adjustments.

Indonesia's unique climate and socio-cultural context necessitate tailored strategies for managing thermal comfort, especially as reliance on AC systems grows due to increasing temperatures and economic development.

To balance energy consumption with thermal comfort, the study recommends promoting effective OAB patterns, including a suggested AC set-point temperature of 25 °C and various adaptive behaviors.

Overall, the findings contribute valuable insights into how OABs can be leveraged to enhance energy efficiency and comfort in Indonesia's rapidly urbanizing landscape.

The research emphasizes the importance of promoting behavioral adaptations in mixed-mode buildings, particularly those utilizing AC, while suggesting that naturally ventilated buildings should consider local climate conditions to improve thermal comfort.

Further research is encouraged to investigate the socio-cultural impacts on OABs and their effectiveness in achieving desired thermal conditions in Indonesian residences.