Case study investigation of indoor air quality in mechanically ventilated and naturally ventilated UK social housing

McGill, Grainne; Oyedele, Lukumon O.; McAllister, Keith

doi:10.1016/j.ijsbe.2015.03.002

Cited by 49 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…In general, these homes suffer from poor thermal comfort, especially during cold periods [16][17][18]. However, this situation is not only confined to southern Europe, but is also identified in other colder climates where one would expect a greater climate adaptation of the housing conditions [19]. This situation can be attributed to a widespread lack of heating systems and energy poverty issues affecting these social groups [1], and results in the dwellings being kept closed for most hours during winter.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

et al. 2019

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In southern Europe, the present stock of social housing is ventilated naturally, with practice varying in the different seasons of the year. In winter, windows are kept closed most of the day with the exception of short periods for ventilation, whereas the rest of the year the windows are almost permanently open. In cold weather, air changes depend primarily on the air infiltrating across the envelope and when the temperature is warm, on the air flowing in through open windows. CO2, PM2.5, and TVOC concentration patterns were gathered over a year’s time in three social housing developments in southern Europe with different airtightness conditions and analyzed to determine possible relationships between environmental parameters and occupants’ use profiles. Correlations were found between TVOC and CO2 concentrations, for human activity was identified as the primary source of indoor contaminants: peak TVOC concentrations were related to specific household activities such as cooking or leisure. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were likewise observed to be correlated, although not linearly due to the presence of indoor sources. Ventilation as presently practiced in winter appears to be insufficient to dilute indoor contaminants in all three buildings, nor does summertime behavior guarantee air quality.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Europe, it is worth noting studies from the UK, Denmark, Macedonia, and Slovakia which research the indoor air quality in family homes. In the UK, McGill [19,31,32] investigated the differences in indoor air quality between mechanical and naturally ventilated homes, including Passivhaus dwellings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

et al. 2019

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“…The concentration of CO 2 may be directly connected with other pollutants of work environment causing these symptoms [16][17][18][19][20]. .…”

Section: Work Environment In a Small Boiler Plantmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of CO₂ concentration distribution inside and outside small boiler plants

Cichowicz

Wielgosiński

Targaszewska

2016

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering S

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Analysis of the distribution of CO2 concentrations was performed for a water-and-steam boiler plant located in a detached building supplying thermal energy to a hospital. The boiler plant was equipped with two low-temperature boilers and one high-temperature steam boiler. The maximum thermal energy demand of the hospital was 4280, 3500 kW of which came from the hot-water boilers and the remaining 780 kW from the steam boiler. Due to the operating system there were no permanent job positions in the boiler plant. Servicing consisted only in the supervision, periodic adjustment and maintenance of the equipment. These kinds of working conditions release the employer from the necessity to perform tests and measurements of working conditions in such a building. On the other hand, continuous measurements are made because of the installation safety and emissions of pollutants into the environment. The article presents results of the measurements and analysis of the distribution of CO2 concentrations inside and outside a small boiler plant, due to which it was found that the level of carbon dioxide concentration did not depend on the ambient air temperature. The resulting values are similar regardless of whether the measurements were taken in December 2012 or April 2013. However, there is an evident impact of seasons on the concentrations in the indoor air associated primarily with the demand for heat during the given period, the stay of people in the workplace and the number of working devices.

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“…Good design in dwellings is normally based on inter-zonal ventilation in which either extract fans or passive ventilation stacks are located in the 'wet areas' of the dwelling. A recent study by McGill et al (2015) has identified that relative humidity in houses studied which met code level 3 of the code for sustainable homes and were naturally ventilated rose above 70% which can give rise to mould. This is of concern since many of the houses currently being developed meet this standard and this is the required standard of UK building regulation.…”

Section: Air Tightness In New Homes and Mouldmentioning

confidence: 99%

The problem of clothes drying in new homes in the UK

Madgwick¹,

Wood²

2016

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The current focus on air tight construction to minimise energy use in homes in the UK requires analysis of the behaviour of the occupants. The aim of this paper is to review current literature and explore the methods used to dry clothes, to assess current standards and reccomendation for the drying of laundry in new homes and the issues arising with increased moisture within the building envelope where there may be inadequate ventilation caused by impermeable design Design/methodology/approach: Literature is reviewed on new housing in the UK and as part of a wider study of behaviour questionnairres were delivered to occupants of a recently completed housing estate in the uk to ask the questions with regard to their laundry practice. Findings: There are inherent problems in drying laundry in new air tight homes. This case study identifies 95% of residents on a new estate own a tumble dryer and use either this high energy method for clothes drying or hang clothes internally within the property leading to higher energy use or potential mould growth. Research limitations/implications: Further research is required into how drying laundry impacts on internal air qaulity in new homes designed to be energy efficient Practical implications: The design of new houses needs to be considered to provide a shift in people's behaviour with regard to low energy clothes drying Social implications: Originality/value: Other research has focussed on tenants in social housing in properties of mixed ages. This is the first study which focusses specifically on new energy efficient housing for owner occupiers

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Case study investigation of indoor air quality in mechanically ventilated and naturally ventilated UK social housing

Cited by 49 publications

References 9 publications

TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

Analysis of CO₂ concentration distribution inside and outside small boiler plants

The problem of clothes drying in new homes in the UK

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Case study investigation of indoor air quality in mechanically ventilated and naturally ventilated UK social housing

Cited by 49 publications

References 9 publications

TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

Analysis of CO2 concentration distribution inside and outside small boiler plants

The problem of clothes drying in new homes in the UK

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Analysis of CO₂ concentration distribution inside and outside small boiler plants