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Indoor air quality in green buildings: A case-study in a residential high-rise building in the northeastern United States
Abstract
Improved indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the critical components of green building design. Green building tax credit (e.g., New York State Green Building Tax Credit (GBTC)) and certification programs (e.g., Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)) require indoor air quality measures and compliance with allowable maximum concentrations of common indoor air pollutants. It is not yet entirely clear whether compliance with these programs results in improved IAQ and ultimately human health. As a case in point, annual indoor air quality measurements were conducted in a residential green high-rise building for five consecutive years by an industrial hygiene contractor to comply with the building's GBTC requirements. The implementation of green design measures resulted in better IAQ compared to data in references of conventional homes for some parameters, but could not be confirmed for others. Relative humidity and carbon dioxide were satisfactory according to existing standards. Formaldehyde levels during four out of five years were below the most recent proposed exposure limits found in the literature. To some degree, particulate matter (PM) levels were lower than that in studies from conventional residential buildings. Concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with known permissible exposure limits were below levels known to cause chronic health effects, but their concentrations were inconclusive regarding cancer health effects due to relatively high detection limits. Although measured indoor air parameters met all IAQ maximum allowable concentrations in GBTC and applicable LEED requirements at the time of sampling, we argue that these measurements were not sufficient to assess IAQ comprehensively because more sensitive sampling/analytical methods for PM and VOCs are needed; in addition, there is a need for a formal process to ensure rigor and adequacy of sampling and analysis methods. Also, we suggest that a comprehensive IAQ assessment should include mixed mode thermal comfort models, semi-volatile organic compounds, assessment of new chemicals, and permissible exposure levels of many known indoor VOCs and bioaerosols. Plus, the relationship between energy consumption and IAQ, and tenant education on health effects of indoor pollutants and their sources may need more attention in IAQ investigations in green buildings.
... Green buildings, being more energy-efficient, are associated with reduced energy consumption and improved indoor air quality, a synergy that significantly contributes to human health [3,4]. Energy optimization strategies go beyond merely reducing energy costs; they enhance the comfort of inhabitants while lessening environmental harm [5][6][7]. In fact, it is a fundamental and dynamic element in developing green and sustainable buildings. ...
... By exploring and overcoming the hurdles to implementing innovative energy optimization strategies, we can foster healthier, sustainable breathing spaces for the present and future generations [8,9]. 2 Chemicals from pesticides, cleaning products, volatile organic compounds from construction materials and furnishings have significant hazards. In addition, particulate matter from tobacco mold and smoke can also have significant effects on human health when indoors [7,8,[10][11][12][13]. Deteriorated air quality, poor illumination, and inadequate thermal comfort are all factors that might negatively affect our health. ...
... Designing, analyzing, and managing healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient buildings falls within the purview of indoor environmental quality professionals. In addition, comfort, delight, productivity, and well-being are all things that should be prioritized in interior spaces [2,7,12]. ...
This comprehensive critical review shows how green buildings and energy optimization solutions improve indoor air quality as well as environmental quality (IEQ) and human health. Electricity-efficient green buildings create a better indoor atmosphere and save electricity. Green buildings improve occupant well-being through IAQ, thermal comfort, acoustics, and lighting. Renewable energy, green construction materials, and intelligent technologies increase sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Environmental hazards, architectural design, and societal variables can improve indoor air quality and subsequently reduce health risks linked with poor air quality. The evaluation highlights the pros and cons of low-cost IAQ sensors and equipment. These devices provide valuable insights, but calibration and validation using reference equipment are necessary to ensure accuracy and reliability. Architects, engineers, environmentalists, and policymakers are essential in creating green buildings with high IEQ. Prioritizing occupant comfort, health, and productivity ensures a sustainable and healthy future for future generations. However, continual monitoring and research are needed to improve green building practices and overcome construction problems. Intelligent models for continual on-field calibration of low-cost sensors may improve performance. Green buildings benefit occupants and the environment by optimizing energy use and using IAQ monitoring technologies.
... For instance, Xiong et al. compared five years of annual indoor air measurements of residential green high-rise buildings with those of conventional buildings in the northeastern United States. [18]. Persily and Emmerich searched the indoor air quality of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings [19]. ...
Increased greenhouse gas emissions have led to a global warming threat. As a result, countries have tended to focus their decision-making attention on energy-saving strategies. Specifically, the concept of green building has been developed for the construction sector. It aims to create energy-efficient structural activities (new constructions, repairs, or renovated constructions) that will be carried out in line with the determined criteria. With the concept of green building and the need to establish criteria and standards to ensure energy efficiency, green building certification systems have come to the fore. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification systems have been developed. This article investigates the achievements of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category of LEED-certified projects in Türkiye and Europe. A comparison study of countries was carried out, based on the fourth version of the LEED BD+C framework that was developed for new green building projects. The study’s primary goal is to show the linear correlation between market value and IEQ. It was revealed that the gross domestic product does not affect IEQ applications. Although Türkiye was ranked first in applying for IEQ credits, its economic development level is lower than that of other European countries.
... The results showed that green buildings give people a sense of higher comfort, environmental satisfaction, and satisfaction with thermal conditions. Research conducted by Xiong et al. [19] has proven better indoor air quality of green buildings in some investigated aspects than in conventional buildings. Thermal shocks are becoming more frequent and they affect the quality of life and human health (cardiovascular risk, allergic reactions and infectious diseases) [20]. ...
... At this time, both the natural and forced ventilation are sealed and samples are collected. Ozone scrubber is used when collecting air samples, and 15 L is collected for 20 min using a precise mini suction pump (.5 ml/min) (Xiong et al., 2015). The air samples in the last step are precisely analyzed by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). ...
The residents of Dubai spend more than 90% of their time indoors and this lifestyle makes them easily exposed to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Even though Dubai Municipality strictly apply the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) stipulation, indiscreet use of unproven finishing materials has been increased to deteriorate the health of residents in Dubai. The objective of this paper is to investigate the degree of influence of building material on indoor air pollutants concentration by measurement and prediction. As a methodology, indoor pollutants concentration was measured and investigated, variables were extracted through emission intensity experiments, and the indoor concentration was predicted by applying the double exponential decay model. The result had shown that electronic products, furniture, and textile products become new sources of indoor air pollution. The difference in emission patterns of wallpaper and flooring is confirmed via the emission rate test. It is statistically proven that Formaldehyde (CH 2 O) and VOCs showed a difference in the cumulative emission amount within 100 h but after that, it was confirmed that the difference in emission amount between materials became very small. In case of CH 2 O, the cumulative emission of the flooring material is greater than that of the wallpaper. This study will serve as a basic data to explore the cause of indoor air pollutants in daily life to reduce SBS symptoms in Dubai.
Knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in cob buildings during the first few months following their delivery is of vital importance in preventing occupants' health problems. The present research focuses on evaluating IAQ in cob buildings through a prototype built in Normandy, France. To achieve this, the prototype was equipped with a set of sensors to monitor various parameters that determine indoor and outdoor air quality. These parameters include relative humidity (RH), carbon dioxide (CO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), ozone (O 3), particulate matter (PM1 and PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The obtained experimental results indicate that, overall, there is good indoor air quality in the prototype building. However, there are some noteworthy findings, including high indoor RH and occasional spikes in CO 2 , PM1, PM10, and VOCs concentrations. The high RH is believed to be a result of the ongoing drying process of the cob walls, while the peaks in pollutants are likely to be attributed to human presence and the earthen floor deterioration. To ensure consistent good air quality, this study recommends the use of a properly sized Controlled Mechanical Ventilation system. Additionally, this study explored IAQ in the cob building from a numerical perspective. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model was developed and trained to predict pollutant concentrations inside the building. A validation test was conducted on the CO 2 concentration data collected on-site, and the results indicated that the LSTM model has accurately predicted the evolution of CO 2 concentration within the prototype building over an extended period.
Purpose
Sustainability has been the subject of several scientific investigations. Many researchers in the construction industry have also examined a range of sustainability-related studies. However, few studies have thoroughly reviewed implementing sustainability concepts in high-rise residential buildings (HRRBs).
Design/methodology/approach
By adopting scientometrics and systematic review (SR), this study seeks to map out recent sustainability trends and concepts in the design, development and operation of HRRBs worldwide and in Hong Kong. With a focus on bibliographic records from the Web of Science (WoS) database, 1,395 journal articles from 2013 to 2022 were analysed. Furthermore, thirteen studies were systematically reviewed.
Findings
The SR indicated that sustainable practices in developing Hong Kong's HRRBs emphasised zero-carbon buildings, reduced energy usage and energy-efficient retrofitting. Likewise, terms such as BIM, urban density, life cycle assessment and system dynamics are strongly connected with clusters that include “residential buildings”, “high-rise buildings” and “high-rise residential buildings”. The study identified significant themes in establishing HRRBs by combining sustainable practices, emphasising urban governance and policy management, building performance and thermal comfort, energy and design optimisation, occupant behaviour and sensitivity analysis. Core sustainability ideas have improved resource management, air quality management and knowledge of user behaviour in HRRBs.
Originality/value
The study allows researchers and practitioners to explore future research directions in the built environment per the application of sustainable concepts in the development of HRRBs from design, construction and post-construction phases.
The environmental performance of green buildings is receiving attention from built environment stakeholders. We introduce the concept of green human resource management (GHRM) to analyze how the performance gap in green buildings can be minimized using a human‐focused design perspective. We utilize signaling theory and abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) theory to explain the interactions between environmental proactivity, GHRM, pro‐environmental behaviors, job performance, and environmental performance. Survey data were collected from 460 employees working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐certified green buildings in India and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings highlight that GHRM is likely to motivate employees to demonstrate pro‐environmental behaviors and be engaged in their jobs. We also find that when organizational‐level goals are effectively communicated, employees can enhance environmental performance in green buildings. Our study makes several contributions, including a framework that developing countries can use to promote environmental sustainability in the workplace.
International Online Conferences On Engineering And Natural Sciences (Iocens’21) Full Texts Book July 5-7 2021 Gumuşhane Unıversity Gumuşhane – Türkiye; Pub Nm 48. 2022
This paper deals with the experimental investigation of hygrothermal behavior of wooden-frame building envelope. The experiment was based on in-situ monitoring of a full size experimental monozone house built at the University of Lorraine. Variations in temperature and relative humidity inside and outside the envelope were logged simultaneously with local meteorological data. Results showed the high coupling between temperature and relative humidity variations within the envelope materials. An overall hygrothermal response of the wall highlighted an interesting hygrothermal dynamic behavior of the envelope which may contribute to mitigate variations of relative humidity inside the building. Nevertheless, relative humidity evolves within a range of values that can lead to mold growth at a certain position which may alter wooden envelope life.
Past research (ASHRAE RP-884) demonstrated that occupants of naturally ventilated buildings are comfortable in a wider range of temperatures than occupants of buildings with centrally controlled HVAC systems. However, the exact influence of personal control in explaining these differences could only be hypothesized because of the limits of the existing field study data that formed the basis of that research. The objective of ASHRAE RP-1161 was to quantitatively investigate how personal control of operable windows in office settings influences local thermal conditions and occupant comfort. We conducted a field study in a naturally ventilated building where occupants had varying degrees of control over the windows. Utilizing continuous measurement of each subject's workstation microclimate, plus a Web-based survey that subjects took several times a day and was cross-linked to concurrent physical assessments of workstation microclimatic conditions, we collected over 1000 survey responses in each of the two main seasons. The data show that occupants with different degrees of personal control had significantly diverse thermal responses, even when they experienced the same thermal environments and clothing and activity levels. Our findings offer further empirical support for the role of shifting expectations in the adaptive model of thermal comfort.
The toxicology and epidemiology of formaldehyde were discussed on the 2nd International Formaldehyde Science Conference in Madrid, 19-20 April 2012. It was noted that a substantial amount of new scientific data has appeared within the last years since the 1st conference in 2007. Progress has been made in characterisation of genotoxicity, toxicokinetics, formation of exogenous and endogenous DNA adducts, controlled human studies and epidemiology. Thus, new research results are now at hand to be incorporated into existing evaluations on formaldehyde by official bodies.
Background: Associations of higher indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations with impaired work performance, increased health symptoms, and poorer perceived air quality have been attributed to correlation of indoor CO2 with concentrations of other indoor air pollutants that are also influenced by rates of outdoor-air ventilation.
Objectives: We assessed direct effects of increased CO2, within the range of indoor concentrations, on decision making.
Methods: Twenty-two participants were exposed to CO2 at 600, 1,000, and 2,500 ppm in an office-like chamber, in six groups. Each group was exposed to these conditions in three 2.5-hr sessions, all on 1 day, with exposure order balanced across groups. At 600 ppm, CO2 came from outdoor air and participants’ respiration. Higher concentrations were achieved by injecting ultrapure CO2. Ventilation rate and temperature were constant. Under each condition, participants completed a computer-based test of decision-making performance as well as questionnaires on health symptoms and perceived air quality. Participants and the person administering the decision-making test were blinded to CO2 level. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance models.
Results: Relative to 600 ppm, at 1,000 ppm CO2, moderate and statistically significant decrements occurred in six of nine scales of decision-making performance. At 2,500 ppm, large and statistically significant reductions occurred in seven scales of decision-making performance (raw score ratios, 0.06–0.56), but performance on the focused activity scale increased.
Conclusions: Direct adverse effects of CO2 on human performance may be economically important and may limit energy-saving reductions in outdoor air ventilation per person in buildings. Confirmation of these findings is needed.
With the quality of indoor air ranking highly in our lives, this second, completely, revised edition now includes 12 completely new chapters addressing both chemical and analytical aspects of organic pollutants. Sources of indoor air pollutants, measurement and detection as well as evaluation are covered filling the gap in the literature caused by this topical subject. This book is divided into four clearly defined parts: measuring organic indoor pollutants, investigation concepts and quality guidelines, field studies, and emission studies. The authors cover physico-chemical fundamentals of organic pollutants, relevant definitions and terminology, emission sources, sampling techniques and instrumentation, exposure assessment as well as methods for control. Test methods and studies for various indoor environments are described, such as automobile interiors, museum environments, or rooms with air ventilation. Emission sources covered include household and consumer products as well as electronic devices and office equipment. The book is aimed at chemists, physicists, biologists, and medical doctors at universities and research facilities, in industry and environmental laboratories as well as regulative bodies.
It has been argued that ''green'' buildings have a better indoor environmental quality (as measured by the comfort perceptions of occupants) than conventional buildings and that this translates into a more satisfying workplace for the building's occupants and, in turn, a more productive workforce. To test this we measured the comfort and satisfaction perceptions of the occupants of a green university building and two conventional university buildings with a questionnaire that asked occupants to rate their workplace environment in terms of aesthetics, serenity, lighting, acoustics, ventilation, temperature, humidity, and overall satisfaction. The university buildings at the centre of the study are located in Albury-Wodonga, in inland southeast Australia. The green building, which is naturally ventilated, is constructed from rammed earth and recycled materials. The conventional buildings have heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and are of brick veneer construction. We found no evidence to believe that green buildings are more comfortable. Indeed, the only difference between the buildings was that occupants of the green building were more likely to perceive their work environment as warm, and occupants who felt warm were more likely to describe their work environment as poor. However, the hydronic cooling system of this building was malfunctioning at the time of the study and hence this result cannot be generalised as a difference between green buildings and conventional HVAC buildings. All other aspects of comfort, including aesthetics, serenity, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, and humidity, were not perceived differently by the occupants of the two types of building.
2nd report on the performance of GSA's sustainably designed buildings. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of measured whole building performance as it compares to GSA and industry baselines. The PNNL research team found the data analysis illuminated strengths and weaknesses of individual buildings as well as the portfolio of buildings. This section includes summary data, observations that cross multiple performance metrics, discussion of lessons learned from this research, and opportunities for future research. The summary of annual data for each of the performance metrics is provided in Table 25. The data represent 1 year of measurements and are not associated with any specific design features or strategies. Where available, multiple years of data were examined and there were minimal significant differences between the years. Individually focused post occupancy evaluation (POEs) would allow for more detailed analysis of the buildings. Examining building performance over multiple years could potentially offer a useful diagnostic tool for identifying building operations that are in need of operational changes. Investigating what the connection is between the building performance and the design intent would offer potential design guidance and possible insight into building operation strategies. The 'aggregate operating cost' metric used in this study represents the costs that were available for developing a comparative industry baseline for office buildings. The costs include water utilities, energy utilities, general maintenance, grounds maintenance, waste and recycling, and janitorial costs. Three of the buildings that cost more than the baseline in Figure 45 have higher maintenance costs than the baseline, and one has higher energy costs. Given the volume of data collected and analyzed for this study, the inevitable request is for a simple answer with respect to sustainably designed building performance. As previously stated, compiling the individual building values into single metrics is not statistically valid given the small number of buildings, but it has been done to provide a cursory view of this portfolio of sustainably designed buildings. For all metrics except recycling cost per rentable square foot and CBE survey response rate, the averaged building performance was better than the baseline for the GSA buildings in this study.
Exposure to carbonyls (aldehydes and ketones) can produce adverse health effects. It is known that various sources of carbonyls are often present inside residences but little is known about their indoor source strengths. In the present paper, we used a database established in the relationships of indoor, outdoor, and personal air (RIOPA) study to estimate indoor source strengths of 10 carbonyls and outdoor contributions to measured indoor concentrations of these carbonyls. We applied a mass balance model to analyze paired indoor and outdoor carbonyl concentrations simultaneously measured in 234 RIOPA homes. Among all the measured carbonyls, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde had the strongest indoor source strengths with the estimated median values of 3.9 and 2.6 mg h−1, respectively. Hexaldehyde also had large indoor source strengths with a median of 0.56 mg h−1. Acetone had the largest variations in indoor source strengths ranging from undetected to 14 mg h−1. The medians of the estimated indoor source strengths were 0.15 mg h−1 for propionaldehyde, 0.18 mg h−1 for glyoxal, 0.17 mg h−1 for methylglyoxal, and 0.23 mg h−1 for benzaldehyde. Acrolein and crotonaldehyde had the weakest indoor source strengths with no indoor sources detected in the majority of the RIOPA homes that were selected to have only nonsmoker residents. Consistent with the indoor source strength results, our estimated outdoor contributions to indoor concentrations were low for formaldehyde. In contrast, more than 90% of the indoor concentrations for acrolein and crotonaldehyde were from outdoor sources. The outdoor contributions to indoor concentrations for acetone, propionaldehyde, benzaldehyde, glyoxal, and methylglyoxal ranged from 10 to 90% across the RIOPA homes, suggesting that both indoor and outdoor sources had contributions to indoor concentrations of these compounds.