A methodology for post-occupancy evaluation of ventilation rates in schools

Abstract

The importance of maintaining adequate indoor air quality in schools is recognised as a contributing factor to pupils' learning performance. This paper describes a series of field measurements that investigating the ventilation rates in four recently built secondary schools in England. All schools were assessed for compliance with the recently adopted Building Bulletin 101, which defines the set of criteria in relation to the ventilation rates and indoor air quality in new school buildings. Using the obtained results a methodology has been suggested for post-occupancy evaluation of ventilation rates in schools. The suggested methodology draws particular attention to the dynamic nature of the interaction between the building and their occupants. Practical application: The new Building Bulletin 101 is quoted in Approved Document F as a means of compliance with Building Regulations for school buildings in the UK. This paper, based on four case studies, highlights some of the problems facing architects, mechanical engineers and building control officers associated with post-occupancy evaluation of ventilation rates in new school buildings. The methodology suggested in this paper, which differs radically from the current practice, takes into account the changing nature of the indoor environment in schools including occupancy level and occupant behaviour.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in naturally-ventilated primary schools in the UK: Occupant-related factors

“…Another study indicates that classrooms should be designed capable of supplying enough fresh air, however, occupants should avail themselves of this capability [26]. This study suggests that good practice of ABs at the right time can prevent CO2 build-up and increase IAQ, as supported in [15,26,27,59,107,108]. A review of published studies spanning 1983-2013 suggests that behavioural changes have the potential to reduce indoor air pollution by 20%-98% in laboratory settings and 31%-94% in field settings [109].…”

Thermal Diagnostics of Natural Ventilation in Buildings: An Integrated Approach

“…This was highlighted by Mateus et al [23] who presented a comparison of ventilation measurements and simulations in several classrooms. Mumovic et al [24] pointed on an interesting aspect of indoor air quality in school buildings-the interaction between the dynamic behavior of occupants and the building ventilation system. The paper by Kim and de-Dear [25] presents the similar study but from the point of view thermal comfort.…”

Correlation Analysis of Occupants’ Satisfaction and Safety Performance Level in Low Cost Housing

“…The present research acknowledges Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) as the best tool to examine the safety performance in low cost housing. Many previous researches (Khalil & Nawawi, 2008;Mumovic et al 2009;Hassanain, 2007;Liu, 2003;Minami, 2007;Altas & Ozsoy, 1998;Collet da Graca et al, 2007;Gill et al, 2010;Amaratunga & Baldry, 1999;Foxall & Hackett, 1994;Goh & Ahmad, 2012) have showed significant results in optimizing the performance of building by applying POE as the research tool. Leaman et al (2010) described that buildings are self-evidently settings or 'contexts' for human activities.…”