Showing papers in "Indoor and Built Environment in 2011"
TL;DR: A review of the building environmental schemes for rating of indoor air quality which could have an important impact on health and wellbeing of occupants in sustainable homes and buildings is provided in this article.
Abstract: This paper provides a review of the building environmental schemes for rating of indoor air quality which could have an important impact on health and wellbeing of occupants in sustainable homes and buildings. The majority of the building environmental assessment schemes introduced in different countries of the world are based on the BREEAM and LEED model. BREEAM has a major emphasis on energy efficiency whereas ‘‘Indoor Environmental Quality’’ and ‘‘Health and Wellbeing’’ are the most central issues for LEED. The criteria included in BREEAM, LEED and HK BEAM rating systems for assessment of indoor air quality (IAQ) are illustrated. There should be an IAQ management plan for any housing or building development, which should include a certification of the IAQ of the living spaces prior to occupancy and that low emitting materials should be used in the new build. There should also be an ongoing maintenance of the ventilation and HVAC system for the building and this should be part of an IAQ management plan ...
147 citations
TL;DR: The result showed that daylighting could improve the occupants’ psychological health and productivity and the screen-type shading device could intercept direct sunlight and reduce annoyance glare.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of indoor lighting on occupants’ visual comfort and eye health and to contribute to the management and maintenance of buildings. The illuminance of the working p...
129 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared a number of quantitative and qualitative aspects of usage across a sample of 10 conventional, 20 energy-retrofitted and three green Toronto schools, and found that student, teacher and...
Abstract: This study aimed to compare a number of quantitative and qualitative aspects of usage across a sample of 10 conventional, 20 energy-retrofitted and three green Toronto schools. Student, teacher and...
82 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a computational fluid dynamics simulation of airflow and fine particle (PM2.5) dispersion in the street canyon in Hong Kong, using large eddy simulation, is presented.
Abstract: This paper reports a computational fluid dynamics simulation of airflow and fine particle (PM2.5) dispersion in the street canyon in Hong Kong, using large eddy simulation. An aspect ratio (AR) of 2.7 and a Reynolds number of 5 × 106 with a one main vortex, were used. This study focused mainly on the vehicle-induced momentum source and PM2.5 concentrations were measured at 10 altitudes near the leeward wall in the street canyon, to provide high resolution measurements for model validation. The simulated PM2.5 concentrations agreed well with the measurements, (R = 0.85). The concentration was higher at the lower part near the leeward wall than the upper part. Higher concentration was found near the roof level. A near-uniform vertical dispersion of PM 2.5 near the windward wall was demonstrated; and the average concentrations were lower than found near the leeward wall. The intermittent escape of the PM2.5 above the canyon at the roof level occurred mainly at the centre and near windward wall areas. The res...
73 citations
TL;DR: Yangtze River valley is situated within the Hot Summer and Cold Winter zone, and residents in this region of China would require HVAC system to alleviate thermal comfort conditions as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Yangtze River Valley is situated within the Hot Summer and Cold Winter zone, and residents in this region of China would require HVAC system to alleviate thermal comfort conditions, although this i...
66 citations
TL;DR: The types and concentrations of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols found in five randomly selected primary schools in Malaysia and Terribacillus spp.
Abstract: This study reports the types and concentrations of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols found in five randomly selected primary schools in Malaysia. Normal flora bacteria was the most frequently isolated bacteria including Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. Terribacillus spp. found in this study had never been reported before. The most frequently isolated fungal genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Zygomycetes. The average concentration of bacteria in indoor and outdoor air were 1025 ± 612 CFU/m3 and 1473 ± 1261 CFU/m3, respectively, while the average concentration of fungal bioaerosol in indoor and outdoor air were 292 ± 83 CFU/m3 and 401 ± 235 CFU/m3, respectively. The percentages of bacterial and fungal samples that were within the American Conference of Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH) recommended levels were 44% and 33.8%, respectively. The ratio of indoor to outdoor fungi concentration was below 1.0, suggesting minimal indoor generative source for fungal bioaeros...
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, indoor particulate matter levels were monitored inside and outside the classrooms of four naturally ventilated schools during winter (December 2007 to January 2008) and summer (April 2008 to May 2008) as seasonal campaigns using Grimm 1.109 along with CO2, temperature, humidity and ventilation rate.
Abstract: The high levels of indoor particulate matter in developing countries and the apparent scale of its impact on the global burden of disease underline the importance of particulate as an environmental health risk and the consequent need for monitoring them particularly in indoor school microenvironments. PM10, PM 2.5 and PM1.0 levels were monitored inside and outside the classrooms of four naturally ventilated schools during winter (December 2007 to January 2008) and summer (April 2008 to May 2008) as seasonal campaigns using Grimm 1.109 along with CO2, temperature, humidity and ventilation rate. Additionally, data on classroom condition, school building, surrounding area and prevalence of health symptoms were collected with the help of a questionnaire. During winter, mean indoor PM10, PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentrations ranged up to 497, 220 and 135 μg m —3, which lowered to 3, 3 and 2 times, respectively, in summer as compared to winter. The average indoor/outdoor ratios were found to be >1 at almost all the si...
48 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an analytical solution based on Laplace transformation for describing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde emission characteristics from building material was derived for building material.
Abstract: This paper first derives an analytical solution based on Laplace transformation for describing the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde emission characteristics from building material...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a model based on health impact to evaluate IAQ in quantitative terms, focusing on apartment buildings, and evaluated the gap in sensing IAQ among residents.
Abstract: As illnesses attributable to deteriorating indoor air quality increase, people are becoming more aware of the health effects of indoor air quality (IAQ). Notably, the IAQ of apartment buildings, which account for a massive share of the construction volume in Korea, is a highly critical issue. Evaluation of health effects of IAQ influences not only statutory criteria for air quality improvement but also development of building design standards. In addition, such evaluation supports quantification efforts for the selection of wholesome construction materials and techniques. Evaluation of the health effects of IAQ is a complex exercise that requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as various pollutants, ventilation performance of in a building and temperature/humidity. Evaluation involves not only quantitative assessment of pollutants but also evaluation of the gap in sensing IAQ among residents. This study aims to develop model based on health impact to evaluate IAQ in quantitative terms, focusing on apartment buildings.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the thermal and optical properties of innovative transparent insulating materials (TIM) for glazing systems: silica aerogel (pane and granular) and capillary geometric media.
Abstract: This paper reports the study of thermal and optical properties of innovative transparent insulating materials (TIM) for glazing systems: silica aerogel (pane and granular) and capillary geometric media Twentyone samples were assembled with several kinds of glasses in various combinations with TIM Transmission and reflection coefficients versus wavelength were measured and the results were elaborated in compliance with UNI EN 410/2000 The better performance was given by the monolithic aerogel both for light transmittance (058 in interspace between two 4mm float
43 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of balconies on the ventilative force on low-rise buildings without openings was investigated in a low speed wind tunnel, and the authors found that balconies significantly increased the ventilation force.
Abstract: Chand et al. conducted experiments in a low speed wind tunnel to study the effect of balconies on the ventilative force on low-rise buildings without openings. Using their model, this study intends...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared and analyzed the results of both technical evaluation and residents' satisfaction on the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of old apartments based on case studies and validated the IEQ evaluation of the home environments using multiple regression analyses based on residents satisfaction and their perception about the indoor environment.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of old apartment homes and the residents’ satisfaction with living in these properties. About 168 households were surveyed in this study. The survey was based on the evaluation of deterioration using housing performance indicators and the questionnaire study. First, this study compared and analysed the results of both technical evaluation and residents’ satisfaction on the IEQ of old apartments based on case studies. Second, the study validated the IEQ evaluation of the home environments using multiple regression analyses based on residents’ satisfaction and their perception about the indoor environment. Third, the importance of the indoor environment composition factors contributing to the home environmental quality was assessed based on the survey of residents’ perception and experts’ opinions. Analytic hierarchy process was used to evaluate the housing experts’ opinions. The objective evaluation by techn...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the potential effect of different window views on the subjective assessment of discomfort glare from a simulated window that rendered blank, natural and man-made views from far to close distances.
Abstract: A window is an indispensable element in a building and acts as a view-giving component that keeps occupants in touch with the outside. This study investigated the potential effect of different window views on the subjective assessment of discomfort glare from a simulated window that rendered blank, natural and man-made views from far to close distances. Forty-eight subjects (24 men, 24 women) participated in the experiments. The experimental results confirmed that the subjective evaluation of discomfort glare can vary with the type of window views presented. The results also indicated that there were noticeable variations in the subjective assessments of discomfort glare over the same visual stimuli. A preliminary criterion for classification of subjects' sensitivity to glare was illustrated and the difference for the ''glare-sensitive'' and ''glareinsensitive'' people was statistically significant. This study found that the psychological factor such as window views could be an important factor in the subjective evaluation of discomfort glare. Widely used glare evaluation formulas such as unified glare rating and daylight glare index would not consider psychological factors. Thus, the finding from this study would contribute to a more realistic evaluation of discomfort glare for future design of glare control systems.
TL;DR: In this paper, a thermal comfort study involved the use of field measurement and computer simulation tool, i.e. Ecotect, to compare the computer simulation results with the field measurements of the east-facing room at Fajar Harapan Hostel, University Science Malaysia, which has a 50% glazed area-to-wall ratio.
Abstract: Glazed windows can cause intensive overheating due to solar radiation within buildings in hot climates. These glazed windows, according to their apertures, can also provide cross-ventilation which is necessary for cooling and improving thermal comfort of occupants. Many computerized environmental simulation tools are available to help designers to predict the environmental performance of their design at the early stage. The thermal comfort study presented in this paper involved the use of field measurement and computer simulation tool, i.e. Ecotect. Validation of Ecotect was carried out by comparing the computer simulation results with the field measurements of the east-facing room at Fajar Harapan Hostel, University Science Malaysia, which has a 50% glazed area-to-wall ratio. Output data from Ecotect were compared to the fieldwork data in terms of indoor/outdoor air temperatures and indoor air velocity. The impact of reducing the glazed area from window wall ratio = 50% in the base case to 25% and 00% (i...
TL;DR: The indoor gait recognition system is trained to detect abnormal gait patterns and generate warnings and works in real-time and is aimed to be installed at smart homes.
Abstract: Smart homes that are capable of home healthcare and e-Health services are receiving much attention due to their potential for better care of the elderly and disabled in an indoor environment. Recently the Center for Sustainable Healthy Buildings at Kyung Hee University has developed a novel indoor human activity recognition methodology based on depth imaging of a user's activities. This system utilizes Independent Component Analysis to extract spatiotemporal features from a series of depth silhouettes of various activities. To recognise the activities from the spatiotemporal features, trained Hidden Markov Models of the activities would be used. In this study, this technique has been extended to recognise human gaits (including normal and abnormal). Since this system could be of great significance for the caring of the elderly, to promote and preserve their health and independence, the gait recognition system would be considered a primary function of the smart system for smart homes. The indoor gait recognition system is trained to detect abnormal gait patterns and generate warnings. The system works in real-time and is aimed to be installed at smart homes. This paper provides the information for further development of the system for their application in the future.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the emissions of cooking fumes across a wide range of settings for two commonly used fuels in Hong Kong, namely town gas and electricity, and investigated the effect of cooking process on emissions of f...
Abstract: Emissions of cooking fumes across a wide range of settings were investigated for two commonly used fuels in Hong Kong – town gas and electricity. The effect of cooking process on the emissions of f...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated whether indoor air quality and thermal comfort quality were measured by occupants' environmental satisfaction and their perceived job performance in personal work, and found that occupants perceived better job performance when they were indoors.
Abstract: This study investigated whether indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort quality that were measured by occupants’ environmental satisfaction and their perceived job performance in personal work...
TL;DR: In this article, a ventilation control strategy for multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) air-conditioning systems is presented, integrating the sequential split-range control for air-handing units.
Abstract: This paper presents a ventilation control strategy for multi-zone variable air volume (VAV) air-conditioning systems; integrating the sequential split-range control strategy for air-handing units w...
TL;DR: It has been observed that efficient containment can be achieved even by using simple and inexpensive construction by considering pressure differential and air flow patterns, Nevertheless, additional research is needed to assist hospitals with improving their preparedness to cope with the threat of pandemics by building and using effective AIIRs.
Abstract: Ventilation guidelines for airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) are highly variable in different countries indicating lack of actual knowledge about the guidance needed. However, US guideline...
TL;DR: In this paper, minimum energy consumption and economic efficiency using local and recyclable materials is essential for achieving sustainability, considering the depletion of global energy sources, where the Anatolian...
Abstract: Minimum energy consumption and economic efficiency using local and recyclable materials is essential for achieving sustainability, considering the depletion of global energy sources. The Anatolian ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a model-based outdoor air flow rate optimal control strategy for multi-zone variable air volume air-conditioning systems with the primary air-handling units is presented.
Abstract: This paper presents a model-based outdoor air flow rate optimal control strategy for multi-zone variable air volume air-conditioning systems with the primary air-handling units. An adaptive optimis...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reported the survey results from a field monitoring study of office occupancy and air-conditioner use pattern of an office building in Seoul, Korea, from 20 July to 29 September 2009.
Abstract: This paper reports the survey results from a field monitoring study of office occupancy and air-conditioner use pattern of an office building in Seoul, Korea, from 20 July to 29 September 2009. The survey has an aim to reveal the relationship between the indoor environment conditions and occupancy; and the use patterns of air-conditioners and energy consumption in offices. The results showed that the average occupied time of the investigated offices was 15.48 h per day for normal weekdays, which was longer than expected occupancy schedules assumed for offices for the design prediction of building energy consumption. This study also presents the hourly profiles of air-conditioner use and evaluates the effect of longer occupancy period on energy consumption for air cooling in open-plan offices in Korea. The findings of this study could contribute to inform building energy simulation based on realistic office occupancy profile provided by the survey, which would therefore inform better operation of air-condi...
TL;DR: In this paper, a 2-day non-simultaneous sampling was carried out in 13 new hotels in Southern China and assessed the possible health impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the indoor air.
Abstract: In the recent years, there has been a dramatic growth in the development of hotels in Southern China to meet the rapid demand of business and tourism industry. The indoor air quality of the hotels has become an important consideration due to a large workforce that is engaged in this industry. The objective of this study was to characterise the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the indoor air in 13 new hotels in Southern China and assess their possible health impact. A 2-day non-simultaneous sampling was carried out in each of the hotels. Decorating materials, cleansing agents and even local regional pollutants outside the hotels could have a contribution and worsen indoor air quality. Toluene level was as high as 498 μg m—3 in a hotel fitted with lots of plywood products. The highest concentrations of methylene chloride (34 μg m—3) and total carbonyls (517 μg m—3) were detected in a hotel where high VOCs cleansing agents were used in guest rooms. In a hotel located in an industrial centre, aceton...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated changes in the concentration of air pollutants in the indoor environments, which could be caused by seasonal changes or changes in operating conditions of the business environment.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the concentration of air pollutants in the indoor environments, which could be caused by seasonal changes or changes in operating conditions of ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the indoor environmental conditions via the velocity field, temperature field and CO2 concentration distribution during cooking in a kitchen in a typical Korean apartment using computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT 6.3 for solving continuity, momentum, energy and concentration equations in an unsteady state with the standard k-e turbulence model.
Abstract: In a residential kitchen, a number of pollutants are generated due to cooking and are released into the ambient air; these can significantly affect the indoor air quality of residential environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the indoor environmental conditions via the velocity field, temperature field and CO2 concentration distribution during cooking in a kitchen in a typical Korean apartment. Numerical simulations were conducted using the computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT 6.3 for solving the continuity, momentum, energy and concentration equations in an unsteady state with the standard k—e turbulence model. The parameters used for the simulations included: (1) the extraction flow rate of the range hood (0, 500, 750 and 1000 m3·h-1) and (2) the angle between the inlet airflow and the ceiling (90°, 45° and 22.5°). The findings illustrated that the temperature and CO2 concentration distribution could be greatly influenced by the extraction flow rate of the range hood. Also, by ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the performance of light redirection systems via scale model under real sky conditions is studied. And the results demonstrate that laser cut panels can generally increase the interior daylight in the rear of the scale model room, improve the daylight uniformity and have the potential to reduce the electric lighting energy use.
Abstract: In Hong Kong, many buildings are high-rise blocks constructed close to each other resulting in severe sky obstructions, more particularly for rooms at the lower floors. Innovative daylighting technologies that transport natural light from outside towards the inner part of deep plan rooms are appropriate devices to improve daylight uniformity and visual comfort. Good visual effects and less lighting energy use may result if proper designs are employed. This paper studies the performance of light redirection systems via scale model under real sky conditions. The results demonstrate that laser cut panels can generally increase the interior daylight in the rear of the scale model room, improve the daylight uniformity and have the potential to reduce the electric lighting energy use.
TL;DR: Asthma, airway infections and allergies were common among female university students and related to home environmental exposures, in particular to floor dampness.
Abstract: A study was undertaken to determine the association between the home environment along with the respiratory and allergy symptoms reported among female university students in Japan (N = 153). A multiple logistic regression was applied for the determination and the study was controlled based on the age of the students, whether the student smokes and history of asthma/allergy suffering in parents. The characteristics of the population were: 15.7% are diagnosed asthma, 56.9% suffered pollen allergy, 15.7% cat allergy, 11.1% dog allergy, 25.0% wheeze in breathing, 24.2% suffered daytime breathlessness and 9.3% suffered nocturnal attacks of breathlessness. Evaluated characteristics were: 41.2% had a pet at home, 21.6% environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), 20.9% current dampness or moulds, 6.6% recent indoor painting, 7.2% new floor material, and 56.2% window condensation at home in winter. Wheeze was more common in concrete houses (OR = 3.33; p < 0.05) and homes with water leakage and moulds infestation in the last 5 years (OR = 3.75; p < 0.05), window condensation (OR = 2.93; p < 0.05) and ETS (OR = 3.04; p < 0.05). Nocturnal breathlessness was related to current building dampness (OR = 7.48; p < 0.05), in particular to floor dampness. Furry pet allergy was more common in newer (p < 0.05) and newly painted homes (OR = 6.59; p < 0.05). Airway infections were more common in homes with new floor material (OR = 4.19; p < 0.05). In conclusion, asthma, airway infections and allergies were common among female university students and related to home environmental exposures.
TL;DR: In this article, the indoor radon levels were calculated for four seasons (i.e. spring, summer, autumn and winter) in Muzaffarabad, Hattian, Neelum and Poonch districts.
Abstract: Measurements of indoor radon concentrations in 200 dwellings of four districts of Azad Kashmir have been carried out using CR-39-based radon dosimeters. Indoor radon levels were calculated for four seasons (i.e. spring, summer, autumn and winter) in Muzaffarabad, Hattian, Neelum and Poonch districts. Maximum value of radon concentration (398 ± 2 Bq·m-3) has been found in Muzaffarabad district (in bedrooms) and minimum value (23 ± 9 Bq·m -3) is reported for Hattian district (in living rooms). Elevated values of radon levels have been found in winter, whilst lower values are observed in summer season. Seasonal correction factors calculated for spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons were found to be 1.02 ± 0.91, 0.86 ± 0.77, 0.98 ± 0.92 and 1.14 ± 1.04, respectively. Measured values for winter/spring, winter/summer and winter/autumn radon ratios were found as 1.11 ± 1.28, 1.33 ± 1.21 and 1.15 ± 1.17. Radon doses have been calculated and yearly mean effective dose has been found 2.52 ± 1.22 mSv, which is l...
TL;DR: In this paper, Radon exposure from indoor radon exposure, before and after the 2005 earthquake, have been assessed from measurements taken in the city of Muzaffarabad and Jhelum valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Abstract: Radiation doses from indoor radon exposure, before and after the 2005 earthquake, have been assessed from measurements taken in the city of Muzaffarabad and Jhelum valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Indoor radon concentration was measured in dwellings in Muzaffarabad city and the Jhelum valley after the devastating 2005 earthquake using CR-39 based radon box type detectors which were exposed to indoor radon for 60 days. After processing, the observed track densities were related to the indoor radon concentrations using a calibration factor of 0.0092 tracks cm-2 · hr-1 = 1 Bq m-3 of 222 Rn and compared with already published data obtained before the earthquake. The post-earthquake weighted average indoor radon concentration ranged from 65 Bq m-3 to 398 Bq m-3 for the dwellings of state capital city of Azad Kashmir where pre-earthquake values were in the range of 89 Bq m-3 to 167 Bq m-3. In the Jhelum valley, post-earthquake indoor radon concentrations varied from 81 to 509 Bq m-3 and 64 to 456 Bq m-3 in the b...
TL;DR: In this article, a methodology to determine the area of the glare light source on the window with nonuniform luminance distribution was presented. Experiments with observers were conducted in order to evaluat...
Abstract: This paper presents a methodology to determine the area of the glare light source on the window with nonuniform luminance distribution. Experiments with observers were conducted in order to evaluat...