Clean Air, Low Energy

Subtitle:Exploratory research on the quality of the indoor environment in energy‐ efficient buildings: the influence of outdoor environment and ventilation

The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the indoor air quality (IAQ) in energy‐efficient buildings (EEBs), including homes and schools. Physical, chemical and biological parameters have been measured in order to determine whether indoor air in such buildings differs from non‐energy‐efficient buildings. The particular focus is on how the outdoor environment and ventilation systems affect on indoor parameters.Designing energy‐efficient buildings is synonym for a reduced energy use of the building, considered over its complete life cycle. Efficient strategies to reduce the energy consumption are, amongst others, a better building insulation and increased air tightness. Doing so, generated heat is kept inside of the building envelope, which leads to a positive effect on the energy consumption. Increased insulation and air tightness in newly built houses and schools, however, imply a limited air leakage through openings and cracks in the building envelope. Since sufficient building ventilation is indispensable to create and maintain a healthy indoor environment, these types of buildings need a ventilation system. A partly or fully mechanical ventilation system is in this case advisable, since ventilation systems offer the advantage of a controlled air exchange rate in the building. However, since the responsibility of a correct use and maintenance is in the hands of the users/occupants, building owners, and occupants become responsible for the creation and maintenance of a healthy indoor environment. In this exploratory study, Clean Air Low Energy, the indoor air quality of 51 indoor sites in low energy buildings, equipped with a mechanical ventilation system (controlled supply and exhaust air as well as trickle ventilators with controlled exhaust air) in Flanders has been determined, in total in 25 houses and 26 classrooms. Each indoor environment was characterized chemically, physically and biologically; the energy performance and the building envelope of each indoor location are assessed as well.  

Publication year:2018

Accessibility:Open