Showing papers in "Indoor and Built Environment in 2000"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors looked at attitudes to tariffs for green power in light of the proposed phase-out of the non-fossil fuel obligation and found that whether someone was willing to pay more was significantly correlated with attitude, experience (whether they had visited an environmental centre) and the purchasing power placed on £5.
Abstract: Although financial support for renewable electricity sources has existed via the non-fossil fuel obligation since 1990, the UK ‘green power’ market is still in its infancy. This paper looks at attitudes to tariffs for ‘green power’ in light of the proposed phase-out of the non-fossil fuel obligation. The hypothesis tested was the consumers’ willingness to pay for electricity generated from renewable energy sources and to see if this was related to income and attitude. Data for analysis were taken from replies to a questionnaire sent to an energy-aware sub-population of Leicester which were analysed by a variety of statistical tests. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that whether someone was willing to pay more was significantly correlated with attitude, experience (whether they had visited an environmental centre) and the purchasing power placed on £5. This finding has implications for the methods by which support for green tariffs can be increased. Education and raising people’s awareness through experience should be able to change attitudes and so increase their willingness to pay.
60 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling to non-domestic buildings, which can satisfy fresh air requirements and reduce or eliminate demand for mechanical cooling.
Abstract: This is the first of a series of four papers that describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling to non- domestic buildings. In this paper various evaporative cooling techniques are reviewed. By spraying fine drop lets of water at the top of atria, a downdraught of air cooled by evaporation can be produced. Such direct eva porative cooling using an evaporation tower appears to be a suitable approach for partly displacing the need for air-conditioning in hot, dry climates. It can satisfy fresh air requirements and reduce or eliminate demand for mechanical cooling. Examples of this cooling technique in Southern Europe and the Middle East have already demonstrated its operation and potential energy sav ings. However, limitations, primarily due to control of the system, have been identified. This introductory paper presents the theoretical basis of evaporative cooling, reviews some historical precedents, and discusses their relative strengths and weaknesses. Three further papers in this series will disseminate the main findings of the project.
27 citations
TL;DR: The effect of air humidification on physiological signs from the eyes and nose, other medi cal symptoms and on perceived air quality in geriatric hospital units in southern Sweden is investigated.
Abstract: Air humidification is sometimes used to reduce dryness symptoms in temperate climates, but the biological mechanism behind this effect is not well understood. We have investigated the effect of air hu
25 citations
TL;DR: A large quantity of oily fumes is generated in fast food and Chinese restaurants from cooking oil kept at a high temperature in the kitchens as mentioned in this paper, and if these oily fumes are not properly abated, they can be a
Abstract: A large quantity of oily fumes is generated in fast food and Chinese restaurants from cooking oil kept at a high temperature in the kitchens. If these oily fumes are not properly abated, they can be a
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by indoor materials can have a significant impact on indoor air quality, and they have been investigated with other environmental matrices than building m
Abstract: Adsorption and desorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by indoor materials can have a significant impact on indoor air quality. Investigations with other environmental matrices than building m
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings.
Abstract: This is the second in a series of four papers that describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings. The pa
21 citations
TL;DR: Extended analysis revealed that a linear model fits the data as well as the exponential model of Hackshaw et al.
Abstract: Hackshaw et al. [BMJ 1997;315:980-988] estimated that, in non-smoking women, lung cancer risk rises 23% (95% Cl 14-32%) per 10 cigarettes per day smoked by the hus band and 11% (95% Cl 4-17%) per 10 years exposure. Although we reproduced these estimates approximately, use of later and more appropriate data gave lower val ues : 10% (95% Cl 5-15%) per 10 cigarettes per day and 7% (95% Cl 4-11%) per 10 years. Among the reasons Hackshaw et al. [1997] reported higher risks are failure to consider studies reporting results only as exposed/unex posed and substantial overweighting of results from one study. Extended analysis revealed that a linear model fits the data as well as the exponential model of Hackshaw et al. [1997] in the observed range, but yields more plausi ble risk estimates at higher doses. In this paper, we also introduce a method to convert dose-response data, re ported only as a set of correlated risk estimates and con fidence intervals, into a form amenable to dose-response summary analyses.
20 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, basic natural ventilation design ideas are introduced for indoor environments and a review of the basic ventilation design methods is presented, where the authors discuss the history of ventilation design in China.
Abstract: Ventilation design has a long history in China. The ancient pioneers used engineering skills to change the indoor environment. In this review, basic natural ventilation design ideas are introduced fro
20 citations
TL;DR: This paper outlines the 'state of the art' in air disinfection, and reviews recent research work in this field, and outlines a number of engineering control strategies, such as the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and ventilation techniques, which can be used.
Abstract: Nosocomial infections are a major problem in many hospital buildings, with approximately 10% of patients acquiring such an infection during a hospital stay. Airborne transmission is one of the important routes for a number of nosocomial pathogens. To combat this problem there are a number of engineering control strategies, such as the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and advanced ventilation techniques, which can be used. This paper outlines the ‘state of the art’ in air disinfection, and reviews recent research work in this field.
20 citations
TL;DR: In the Quad Cities, Illinois house following the 1993 floods of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, the mean least squares log transformed bacterial concentrations were 887 cfu m − 3 in basements, 878 cfum − 3 indoors, and 697 cFu m -3 outdoors as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Bioaerosol measurements were made in 45 Quad Cities, Illinois houses following the 1993 floods of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. Least squares log transformed means for fungal concentrations (in cfu m–3) were 1,449 in basements, 1,174 in living rooms, 1,234 in kitchens, 1,464 in first floor bedrooms, 1,197 in second floor bedrooms, and 2,590 outside. Mean least squares log transformed bacterial concentrations were 887 cfu m–3 in basements, 878 cfu m–3 in living rooms and 697 cfu m–3 outdoors. Levels of fungi and bacteria were not notably elevated in the basements or other rooms of the formerly flooded houses. Levels of fungi and bacteria indoors were significantly less in houses with dehumidifiers and in homes with natural gas odors. Air-conditioning during warm periods significantly reduced airborne concentrations of fungi.
19 citations
TL;DR: The air, particularly the indoor air, contains a considerable burden of unwanted pollution as mentioned in this paper, and overall there may be thousands of pollutants that are brought in with the outside air or are generated from
Abstract: The air, particularly the indoor air, contains a considerable burden of unwanted pollution. Overall there may be thousands of pollutants. They are brought in with the outside air or are generated from
TL;DR: In this paper, a lighting quality index called the CSP index is briefly reviewed and the lighting quality in an indoor space affects the productivity, comfort, well-being and health of occupants.
Abstract: The lighting quality in an indoor space affects the productivity, comfort, well-being and health of the occupants In this article a lighting quality index called the CSP index is briefly reviewed and
TL;DR: Investigation of the occurrence of the sick building syndrome among office workers in Mauritius showed that symptoms of SBS were significantly higher among occupants of buildings with mechanical ventilation than those of the naturally ventilated build ings.
Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of the sick building syndrome (SBS) among office workers in Mauritius. A walk-through inspection and a questionnaire survey were c
TL;DR: A survey of the particle-size distribution of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor and outdoor air was performed in 20 homes in several Japanese cities.
Abstract: A survey of the particle-size distribution of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor and outdoor air was performed in 20 homes in several Japanese cities. Highest PAH concentrations were
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed independently published performance data of low-energy buildings and the impact of the various ventilation and fabric energy storage strategies now available, and demonstrated that low energy mechanical ventilation systems incorporating efficient heat recovery and effective fabric energy storages have higher year-round comfort criteria, and significantly lower prime energy consumption, than natural ventilation strategies.
Abstract: Modern UK office buildings have a reputation of being energy profligate, largely due to the fan power requirements of commercial air conditioning. Most architects and HVAC designers only associate low-energy consumption with natural ventilation. However, the UK electricity utilities have peak maximum demands in winter, and buildings need to be designed for year-round low-energy usage. Relatively few monitored studies of the total annual energy implications of natural and mechanical ventilation strategies operating in conjunction with fabric thermal storage have been published. This paper reviews independently published performance data of low-energy buildings and the impact of the various ventilation and fabric energy storage strategies now available. It demonstrates that low-energy mechanical ventilation systems incorporating efficient heat recovery and effective fabric energy storage have higher year-round comfort criteria, and significantly lower prime energy consumption, than natural ventilation strategies. Supplementary cooling and heating demands and consumption are shown to be minimal in such buildings for temperate maritime climates.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors collected air sample data during asbestos abatement of two buildings using area and personal sampling methods, which involved removal of pipe insulation from crawl spaces in two buildings.
Abstract: Air sample data were collected during asbestos abatement of two buildings using area and personal sampling methods. Abatement involved removal of pipe insulation from crawl spaces. The two sampling me
TL;DR: In this article, a super-efficient ventilation system has been installed in buildings constructed for the New Campus of the University of Nottingham, which is used as part of an integrated ventilation system.
Abstract: A novel ventilation system has been installed in buildings constructed for the New Campus of the University of Nottingham. Super-efficient mechanical ventilation has been used as part of an integrated
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air at two urban sites (Central & Western and Tsuen Wan) in Hong Kong and collected twenty-four-hour whole air samples were collected into Summa passi
Abstract: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ambient air were measured at two urban sites (Central & Western and Tsuen Wan) in Hong Kong. Twenty-four-hour whole air samples were collected into Summa passi
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings.
Abstract: This is the second in a series of four papers that describe a 3-year EU-funded research project into the application of passive downdraught evaporative cooling (PDEC) to non-domestic buildings. The...
TL;DR: This analysis of parental/household smoking (a surro gate for environmental tobacco smoke, ETS) and respira tory symptoms and disease in children updates an ear lier analysis.
Abstract: This analysis of parental/household smoking (a surrogate for environmental tobacco smoke, ETS) and respiratory symptoms and disease in children updates an earlier analysis. Some 94 studies of preschoo
TL;DR: In this article, measurements of the airtightness of blocks of flats in Lithuania were carried out between 1995 and 1997 to assess the effectiveness of energy saving measures, at that time there was no real data on th
Abstract: Measurements of the airtightness of blocks of flats in Lithuania were carried out between 1995 and 1997 to assess the effectiveness of energy saving measures. At that time there was no real data on th
TL;DR: A simplified indoor air quality (IAQ) model has been applied to predict IAQ in an Australian house, using environmental chamber measurements of source strengths, house ventilation and room size as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A simplified indoor air quality (IAQ) model has been applied to predict IAQ in an Australian house, using environmental chamber measurements of source strengths, house ventilation and room size. Total
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the indoor air quality of buildings and their effect on the performance and health of building occupants, since people spend most of their lives in buildings.
Abstract: Over the past 20 years there has been increasing interest in the quality of air in buildings. Initially this interest was focused mainly on the perceived problem of ’sick building syndrome’. However, as time has passed, many building designers and scientists have come to realise that indoor air quality has a profound effect on both the performance and health of building occupants, since people spend most of their lives indoors. Most of the work undertaken in this field has concentrated on non-viable chemi-
TL;DR: In this article, a study of 132 unoccupied and 60 occupied caravans was conducted to determine levels of formaldehyde and factors which may affect these levels, and a repeat monitoring was carried out 6 months later in 50 o
Abstract: A study of 132 unoccupied and 60 occupied caravans was conducted to determine levels of formaldehyde and factors which may affect these levels. Repeat monitoring was carried out 6 months later in 50 o
TL;DR: The use of infrared heaters in a workplace provides heating systems with low energy intensity and an immediate effect on thermal comfort as mentioned in this paper, when compared with other heating systems, they offer the subst
Abstract: The use of infrared heaters in a workplace provides heating systems with low energy intensity and an immediate effect on thermal comfort. When compared with other heating systems, they offer the subst
TL;DR: Airborne lead exposure was evaluated during renovation/demolition of a building that contained lead-based paint (LBP) during this work, different engineering and work practice controls were utilized.
Abstract: Airborne lead exposure was evaluated during renovation/demolition of a building that contained lead-based paint (LBP). During this work, different engineering and work practice controls were utilized
TL;DR: The Clean Air Act in 1956 was a major step in the war against air pollution as mentioned in this paper, and there was a readily identifiable target smoke, and the law is a powerful weapon. But it is less easy to reduce levels of the many chemicals that pollute the indoor environments where most people spend most of their lives.
Abstract: The passing of the Clean Air Act in 1956 was a major step in the war against air pollution. It was a simple solution. There was a readily identifiable target smoke, and the law is a powerful weapon. But it is less easy to reduce levels of the many chemicals that pollute the indoor environments where most people spend most of their lives. The Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Institute for Environment and Health (IEH) has been studying one of the
TL;DR: In this article, four new countries have joined those exhibiting examples of their green buildings, namely, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, and Wales, and most of these country pavilions were supported by representatives from various government depart-
Abstract: show associated with the meeting, which had considerable international participation. In this show as many countries had their own pavilions as did commercial concerns. Since the previous conference in Vancouver, four new countries have joined those exhibiting examples of their green buildings, namely, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, and Wales. Most of these country pavilions were supported by representatives from various government depart-
TL;DR: In this paper, a macroscopic model for predicting dust concentration distribution in mechanically ventilated swine rooms has been developed, which accounts for the effect of turbulent diffusive deposition, gravi
Abstract: A macroscopic model for predicting dust concentration distribution in mechanically ventilated swine rooms has been developed. The model accounts for the effect of turbulent diffusive deposition, gravi
TL;DR: Many ventilation systems fail to meet the expectations of the occupants, despite the level of knowledge available to aid their construction, including best practice and good design criteria as mentioned in this paper. This pape
Abstract: Many ventilation systems fail to meet the expectations of the occupants, despite the level of knowledge available to aid their construction, including best practice and good design criteria. This pape