Do small temperature differences affect the results of building energy modeling?4 answersSmall temperature differences can indeed impact building energy modeling results. Research has shown that weather boundary conditions significantly influence energy simulations for various building types. Additionally, a study on a small-temperature-difference thermal insulation wall highlights the importance of reducing temperature differences to enhance energy conservation. Moreover, accurate modeling of total building energy consumption is crucial, with a focus on outdoor air temperatures, which can be affected by even minor temperature variations. These findings emphasize the need to consider and minimize small temperature differences in building energy models to improve their accuracy and effectiveness in assessing energy consumption and conservation measures.
Does increased external temperature mean higher risk of overheating?4 answersIncreased external temperature can lead to a higher risk of overheating in buildings. Highly insulated and airtight homes designed to reduce energy consumption are perceived to have a greater summer overheating risk. Investigating the risk of overheating in the existing building stock is crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming. The study found evidence of rooms overheating in dwellings, with kitchens and bedrooms having the greatest risk. Deaths due to external causes, such as extreme hot and cold temperatures, reflect changes in behavior among a population. The study in Estonia found significantly higher mortality due to external causes on hot and cold days. Therefore, it can be concluded that increased external temperature does pose a higher risk of overheating.
How does extreme temperature affect indoor air quality and health?5 answersExtreme temperatures have a significant impact on indoor air quality and health. Extended exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even death. Indoor heat exposure metrics are higher than outdoor metrics, resulting in greater harmful exposure to human health during extreme events like heatwaves. Climate change, with its associated increase in temperatures, can affect indoor air quality through changes in indoor temperatures, emissions of pollutants from indoor sources, and changes in ventilation rates. In the developed world, most fatal heat exposures occur in the indoor home environment, highlighting the need for improved indoor temperature and humidity management. The study also suggests that increasing numbers of households will be exposed to dangerous indoor heat index levels during extreme heat events, emphasizing the urgency of addressing indoor temperature and humidity control.
How does extreme temperature affect indoor air quality?5 answersExtreme temperature can have an impact on indoor air quality. Studies have shown that increasing the relative humidity from 50% to 70% at high temperatures can lead to physiological responses such as increased heart rate, respiration rate, and mean skin temperature. Additionally, at elevated temperatures, indoor air quality becomes more difficult to accept, and individuals may feel hotter and more uncomfortable. Climate change, which is causing an increase in temperatures, can also affect indoor air quality through changes in emissions from indoor sources, ambient air pollution, and ventilation rates. Furthermore, extreme heat events can result in harmful exposure to human health indoors, with indoor heat exposure metrics being higher than outdoor metrics. Therefore, it is important to consider the impact of extreme temperature on indoor air quality and take measures to mitigate any negative effects.
How to analyze user experience in a building?5 answersTo analyze user experience in a building, it is important to consider the theoretical foundations of innovation, such as user experience theory, emotional design theory, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Additionally, the practical design of smart building interaction experiences should be reviewed, including the visceral layer (visual and voice interaction), the behavioural layer (gesture, behaviour interaction), and the reflective layer (emotion interaction). Usability and user experience can be measured using tools and methods from human-computer interaction, such as measuring usability as a 'lack of user's frustration' and considering user experience as a satisfying experience of being in a place. Post-occupancy evaluation subjective tools, along with metrics, can be used to capture indoor environmental quality and critical workplace attributes that contribute to occupant comfort, satisfaction, health, and performance.
Why is temperature higher in building insteado of forest or gardens?2 answersThe temperature is higher in buildings compared to forests or gardens due to several factors. Buildings in urban areas experience the heat island effect, where air temperatures are higher than in the surrounding rural areas. This is caused by the dense construction and lack of green spaces, which leads to increased absorption and retention of heat. In contrast, forests and gardens have vegetation that provides shade and evaporative cooling, reducing the temperature. Green areas also help to reduce solid air impurities and gaseous impurities, improving air quality. Additionally, plants release oxygen and can reduce noise levels, contributing to a more comfortable and healthier environment. While individual green elements like roofs, facades, and trees have a limited impact on temperature, a combination of various green elements can significantly decrease urban temperatures. Therefore, the presence of greenery in forests and gardens helps to mitigate the heat and create a more pleasant and cooler environment.