Yes. We run energy/thermal comfort simulations to figure out where it's reasonable to to impose thermal discomfort on our inhabitants. If our energy models tell

Yes. We run energy/thermal comfort simulations to figure out where it's reasonable to to impose thermal discomfort on our inhabitants. If our energy models tell us that there's one extreme week that will be really hot, but we can reduce the HVAC sizing (for cost and energy efficiency), I think it's prudent to do so. I always argue on the side of reducing energy whenever possible. That's a couple of days over the course of the year though, we're not imposing discomfort every day! The industry has also been shifting towards different thermal comfort models (PMV or Predicted Mean Vote to ATC Adaptive Thermal Comfort) which takes into account inhabitants changing their clothing (i.e removing sweater), using personal fans, opening windows to modify their environment for comfort. FYI, I work in an office that actively uses all these strategies, and personally I don't mind it. Even if it's initially uncomfortable, human beings usually adapt to different thermal stresses in about two weeks of exposure. And yes, it does require some social/cultural shifts (in N. America especially) if you're expected to be a more active participant in making yourself feel thermally comfortable. ETA: Clarifying thermal comfort strategies.