Is there an optimum balance between indoor environment, energy consumption and health?

Abstract

This study investigates the pros and cons of passive strategies in the indoor environment (IE) in relation to energy consumption (EC). It is widely accepted that IE improvements often require energy, particularly for thermal and atmospheric IE. As a result, demands for energy savings might compromise the indoor environmental comfort and health. However, the energy consumption can be reduced by introducing passive measures both regarding temperature and ventilation rates. To investigate this, measurements of temperature and ventilation rates were carried out in eight newly built single-family homes and four renovated single-family homes in a Danish context for three years. The study analyzes the effect of passive cooling using different types of solar shading. The findings show that external solar shading can effectively reduce high temperatures without additional energy consumption for cooling in a Scandinavian context. Also, the difference between mechanical and natural ventilation on CO2 levels in bedrooms and children’s rooms in relation to sleep quality are analysed. Here the results show, that natural ventilation is insufficient to ensure healthy sleeping conditions when it comes to proper ventilation rates and air quality. Supplemental ventilation by either window airing or mechanical aid is necessary.