Herman Miller's C2 Provides Micro Climate Control in a Desk Top Personal Appliance
Originally posted on HermanMiller.com - January 04, 2008

In a 2006 random survey of over 450 office workers across hundreds of organizations, 81% expressed dissatisfaction with the temperature settings in their work environment. This finding highlights one of the most common complaints in the office--frequently people feel either too hot or too cold, with both concerns often voiced in the same office, in adjoining workstations! In response, Herman Miller, Inc., has introduced an environmentally friendly, energy saving solution that enables individualized temperature control in a convenient desk top appliance.

The C2 personal climate control device uses the same proven technology found in today's premium automotive seating. The 10" tall, slightly pear-shaped appliance utilizes technology from BSST, a subsidiary of Amerigon, the world's market leader in advanced thermo-electronic applications in automotive interiors. Herman Miller holds the exclusive license for BSST's technology in a desk top appliance and is the first non-automotive application for their Peltier circuit-based heating/cooling solution.

With a finger's touch the C2 provides a personal stream of cooling or warming air, with temperatures ranging from 65 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit, assuming an ambient air temperature of 72 degrees. Studies have shown that a microclimate temperature change of +/- 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit would achieve 99% satisfaction of the total office worker population. The C2 also allows the user to control both air flow direction and fan speed. C2 has a list price of $300.

Herman Miller's C2 personal climate control device offers benefits beyond temperature comfort and convenience. The C2 is energy efficient, using approximately 1.5 amps, or less than 60 watts of power--about 90% less energy than a typical space heater, while offering both heating and cooling functions.

C2 also features a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for enhanced air quality. The filter is GREENGUARD certified and reusable, and filters 80-90% more effectively than a typical home furnace filter. The design is also environmentally sensitive, developed using Herman Miller's demanding "Design for the Environment" protocol for sustainability, which emphasizes material chemistry, recycled content, ease of disassembly, and end-of-life recycling.

Finally, C2 is safe. The unique thermo-electric technology uses no exposed coils or chemicals and produces no harmful emissions. Safe to run continuously, C2 has a 4 hour timer that shuts the unit off automatically.

C2 is part of Herman Miller's The Be Collection, a comprehensive offering of new work accessories that extends the company's reputation for problem-solving design into personal devices and tools suitable for corporate settings or the home office.

"We know people are most productive and satisfied in their work when they have the tools and personal control that allow them to work in the comfort and manner they prefer," noted Robyn Hofmeyer, General Manager of the The Be Collection. "Our full range of accessories includes multiple new designs that bring innovative support and enhanced performance to individuals, with the philosophy that everyone should 'Be Comfortable, Be Organized, and Be Connected.'"