Evaluating an active low-energy cooling upgrade to the building envelope in the hot climates of the Middle East

Kharrufa, Sahar N.; Awad, Jihad; Jung, Chuloh; Sherzad, Mohammed Fareed

doi:10.1093/ijlct/ctab091

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In 2013, the Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality took the initiative to extensively assess IAQ in various public buildings, encompassing educational institutions, universities, schools, nurseries, kindergartens, and healthcare centers (Al Kharrufa et al, 2022). This comprehensive evaluation led to the establishment of stringent regulations governing IAQ standards (Jung et al, 2021c).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing indoor air quality and sustainable living in newly constructed apartments: insights from Dubai

Jung,

Abdelaziz Mahmoud,

Alqassimi

2023

Front. Built Environ.

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This research paper examines Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions in newly constructed apartments in Dubai to be more sustainable for residents to have healthier lifestyles. Enhanced airtightness and chemical-laden materials contribute to IAQ pollution in these buildings. The study aims to assess pollutant concentrations and variations based on building height. Measurements were conducted in 12 apartment units using the WHO’s IAQ assessment methodology. Most pollutants were within limits, but TVOC exceeded the Dubai Municipality’s standard, measuring at 2634.4 μg/m³, approximately nine times higher than the standard. HCHO (163.4 μg/m³) and toluene (551.4 μg/m³) were identified as significant pollutants with potential health effects. Analysis of pollutant concentrations based on building height revealed higher TVOC levels in upper areas, with 2,828 μg/m³ in the upper area compared to 2,443 μg/m³ in the lower area, indicating more severe indoor air pollution in Ethylbenzene and styrene also highest in upper areas, with ethylbenzene at 122 μg/m³ and styrene at 82 μg/m³ in the upper area, potentially due to elevated sources. Toluene and xylene concentrations were elevated in the middle area, with toluene at 574 μg/m³ and xylene at 321 μg/m³, likely influenced by materials and occupant activities. Benzene concentrations were consistent across all heights at 2.94 μg/m³, suggesting a common source. HCHO concentrations were relatively consistent but slightly higher in the middle and upper areas, with 171 μg/m³ in both, likely influenced by ventilation and emissions. While average pollutant concentrations met WHO standards, many units exceeded recommended limits, requiring targeted interventions. The study highlights the importance of addressing IAQ concerns and implementing strategies to reduce indoor air pollutants and improve ventilation. These findings contribute to IAQ knowledge in Dubai’s residential buildings, guiding policymakers, architects, and developers in effective policies and guidelines. Further research on seasonal variations and other IAQ factors is recommended for better understanding and long-term monitoring. Prioritizing IAQ in newly constructed apartments is crucial for healthier living in Dubai. The residential building sector can protect residents’ health by implementing appropriate measures while delivering upscale living experiences.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing indoor air quality and sustainable living in newly constructed apartments: insights from Dubai

Jung,

Abdelaziz Mahmoud,

Alqassimi

2023

Front. Built Environ.

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“…Moreover, reference materials are scarce that guide constructing an efficient ventilation system (Al . While some luxury high-rise residential buildings have adopted waste heat recovery ventilation systems, complaints regarding cold drafts during winter have been reported (Jung et al, 2021e;Kharrufa et al, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the impact of ventilation systems on indoor air quality: a mock-up experiment in Dubai

Jung,

El Samanoudy,

Alqassimi

et al. 2023

Front. Built Environ.

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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has become an important concern in Dubai, driven by public health awareness, environmental regulations, and government initiatives. The Dubai Municipality has introduced guidelines and standards for IAQ in residential and non-residential buildings, emphasizing ventilation, material selection, and testing protocols. IAQ monitoring and testing are encouraged, and public awareness campaigns educate individuals about IAQ and its impact on health. Green building regulations in Dubai also address IAQ considerations. The Dubai Municipality has comprehensively assessed IAQ in public buildings, leading to stringent regulations. However, research on IAQ improvement and challenges associated with apartment ventilation systems is limited. This study aims to evaluate the IAQ improvement and potential issues of a ventilation system in an apartment through a mock-up experiment. Factors such as air volume, ventilation system type, and supply/exhaust duct configuration are analyzed. The results show that installing a ventilation device with a ventilation rate of 0.3–0.8 times/h reduces Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) concentrations by 30%–50%. The IAQ improvement is not significantly influenced by air volume. Each room supply/exhaust method shows a 10% higher reduction in VOC concentrations than the supply/kitchen exhaust unit method. Preventing backflow and addressing cold drafts are recommended during ventilation system installation. Noise measurements comply with standards in most cases. These findings contribute to developing guidelines for ventilation system design and installation in apartments, promoting healthier indoor environments. Further research with a broader range of ventilation devices and real-world conditions is recommended to validate these findings.

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“…Additionally, for newly constructed apartments in emerging neighborhoods, there is a risk of missing the optimal timing for conducting a Bake-Out before occupancy [25]. As for the Flush-Out method, application in Dubai is still premature due to specialized equipment requirements [26].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ventilation Strategies for Mitigating Indoor Air Pollutants in High-Rise Residential Buildings: A Case Study in Dubai

Jung,

Abdelaziz Mahmoud

2023

Atmosphere

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This study investigates the effectiveness of different ventilation methods in reducing indoor air pollutants in newly constructed residential buildings, focusing on indoor air quality (IAQ) in Dubai. The paper highlights the growing concern for IAQ in response to residents’ increasing awareness of their well-being and environmental sustainability. The study examines the concentrations of formaldehyde (HCHO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in bedrooms and living rooms before and after implementing various ventilation methods during the construction phase. The findings indicate that mechanical exhaust ventilation, mainly through bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, was highly effective in reducing HCHO levels. Combining kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans demonstrated the most significant reduction in HCHO concentrations. Similarly, reductions in VOCs, such as ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, were observed with different ventilation methods. Natural ventilation also proved effective in reducing pollutant concentrations. The results emphasize the importance of implementing appropriate ventilation strategies to improve IAQ in residential buildings. However, the study acknowledges the limitations of a single-location measurement and recommends further research to validate the findings across different building types and locations. Additionally, long-term studies are necessary to assess the sustained effects of ventilation methods on IAQ. The study highlights the significance of addressing IAQ concerns in residential buildings and suggests potential research directions to explore other ventilation strategies and their energy efficiency implications. Ultimately, this research contributes to developing healthier and sustainable living environments by promoting effective ventilation strategies to mitigate indoor air pollutants.

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Evaluating an active low-energy cooling upgrade to the building envelope in the hot climates of the Middle East

Cited by 5 publications

References 15 publications

Enhancing indoor air quality and sustainable living in newly constructed apartments: insights from Dubai

Enhancing indoor air quality and sustainable living in newly constructed apartments: insights from Dubai

Assessing the impact of ventilation systems on indoor air quality: a mock-up experiment in Dubai

Ventilation Strategies for Mitigating Indoor Air Pollutants in High-Rise Residential Buildings: A Case Study in Dubai

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