Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Atmosphere atmosphere	2.5	4.6	2010	15.8 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	17.2 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	17.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	20 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Toxics toxics	3.9	4.5	2013	15.6 Days	CHF 2600	Submit

29 pages, 7105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Subjective Factors on Window Use in Maternity Hospitals in Spring

by Manxuan Xiao, Wu Deng, Haipeng Ma, Jinshun Wu, Tongyu Zhou, Jinsong Zhu, Yasha Wang and Song Pan

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9808; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229808 - 10 Nov 2024

Viewed by 724

Abstract

Poor indoor air quality in maternity hospitals can spread respiratory diseases; however, limited research exists on modifiable factors like occupant behavior. This study explores subjective drivers of window-opening in maternity wards, using surveys and on-site measurements. Results show 71.4% of respondents stay less [...] Read more.

Poor indoor air quality in maternity hospitals can spread respiratory diseases; however, limited research exists on modifiable factors like occupant behavior. This study explores subjective drivers of window-opening in maternity wards, using surveys and on-site measurements. Results show 71.4% of respondents stay less than 14 days, leading to dynamic and irregular window behavior. Comfort, particularly thermal comfort, air quality, and circulation, is the main driver for window operations. Especially at low temperatures, pregnant women’s comfort plays a critical role, while other factors increase in importance as temperatures rise. The results show that environmental factors drive window-opening, while indoor comfort drives closing. Occupants are more tolerant to humidity than thermal discomfort, but window adjustments are random. Moreover, respondents prioritize others’ needs in closing windows, where outdoor noise often serves as a key factor. The time also had a greater impact on both window opening and closing decisions, while field measurements confirm that time influences window-opening more than closing. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) analysis of the questionnaire data for ‘comfortable sensation’ showed that only ‘air circulation’ and ‘air humidity’ were correlated with comfort, whilst ‘heat sensation’ was the least correlated. The possible reason is that the questionnaire was conducted in the spring, when temperatures were within the comfort range, and therefore, occupants were more concerned with other factors. Window operations in maternity wards are a collective strategy for natural ventilation. This study shows that the factors affecting window use in maternity hospitals are different from other buildings, providing useful ideas for improving maternity ward design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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17 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Determining Air Supply Humidity for Multi-Location Demands Under Different Objectives in an Indoor Moisture Environment: A Comprehensive Method and Case Study

by Xiaojun Ma, Shuchen Yu, Xiaoliang Shao and Jiujiu Chen

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3326; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103326 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 564

Abstract

Within high-precision indoor environments, such as semiconductor fabrication or textile plants, humidity control is paramount for preserving product integrity and reducing energy expenditure. The non-uniform indoor air environment poses a significant challenge in achieving humidity regulation that meets the distinct requirements of various [...] Read more.

Within high-precision indoor environments, such as semiconductor fabrication or textile plants, humidity control is paramount for preserving product integrity and reducing energy expenditure. The non-uniform indoor air environment poses a significant challenge in achieving humidity regulation that meets the distinct requirements of various locations. Traditional feedback control mechanisms may lead to instability, overshooting, and oscillation in indoor parameters. This paper proposes a comprehensive method to address humidity assurance issues in high-precision indoor environments by establishing analytical expressions that link the demand parameters at different locations with air supply parameters. Using a case study, this paper examines several typical operational scenarios with diverse control objectives, including minimizing dehumidification energy consumption, minimizing air supply humidity adjustment values, and constraints on adjustable air supply inlets. This method enables rapid calculation of air supply humidity and regulation of humidity parameters at multiple locations within the indoor environment. It considers various locations, requirements, optimization targets, and precision, demonstrating that it can quickly determine the optimal air supply parameters based on the objective function. This method facilitates rapid adjustment and high-precision assurance of different humidity requirements at multiple locations, making it suitable for high-precision design and control of indoor humidity environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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27 pages, 10046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability in the Workplace: Evaluating Indoor Environmental Quality of a Higher Education Building in Riyadh

by Hala Sirror, Wafa Labib, Eman Abowardah, Walaa Metwally and Connie Mitchell

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072115 - 10 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

Sustainable building design has gained global significance as a strategy to address environmental challenges and promote healthier living spaces. This concept is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, where there is a growing emphasis on integrating sustainable practices into the design and operation of [...] Read more.

Sustainable building design has gained global significance as a strategy to address environmental challenges and promote healthier living spaces. This concept is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabia, where there is a growing emphasis on integrating sustainable practices into the design and operation of buildings, especially in educational settings. Amidst the global push for sustainability in workplaces, this study’s core lies in assessing and comparing the satisfaction levels with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a Saudi Arabian higher education building against those in international green buildings, considering factors that comprise thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, acoustic quality, office arrangement, furnishings, cleanliness, and maintenance. Employing the Center for the Built Environment (CBE) IEQ survey tool, a comprehensive study was conducted among the building’s occupants. A literature review and benchmarking studies complemented this to gather data on international green buildings. This study aims to assess and compare the satisfaction levels with the IEQ of a Saudi Arabian higher education building against international green buildings. The comparative analysis aims to expose the commonalities and differences in satisfaction levels, exploring how various factors influence overall satisfaction with the IEQ. The research found that there is overall satisfaction with the IEQ parameters of the building under investigation, except with two parameters: acoustics and thermal comfort. The building is generally in alignment with the IEQ of international buildings. This research is presumed to contribute significantly to sustainability initiatives in educational buildings, fostering a healthier and more sustainable workplace environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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17 pages, 4424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study on the Efficacy of Local Exhaust Systems for the Mitigation of Exhaled Contaminants in a Meeting Room

by Muhammad Farhan Ejaz, Simo Kilpeläinen, Panu Mustakallio, Weixin Zhao and Risto Kosonen

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051272 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1064

Abstract

In industrial applications, local exhaust systems have been used extensively for capturing and confining contaminants at their source. The present study investigates the efficacy of these systems in mitigating the spread of exhaled pollutants by combining them with mixing and displacement ventilation. Experiments [...] Read more.

In industrial applications, local exhaust systems have been used extensively for capturing and confining contaminants at their source. The present study investigates the efficacy of these systems in mitigating the spread of exhaled pollutants by combining them with mixing and displacement ventilation. Experiments were conducted in a simulated meeting room with six closely situated workstations, featuring five exposed persons (simulated with heated dummies) and one infected person (simulated with a breathing manikin). Six overhead local exhaust units, merged with panels, corresponding to workstations, were installed using a lowered false ceiling. Additionally, a table plenum setting for air inlets was introduced to enhance displacement ventilation effectiveness along with local exhaust systems. Results from 16 experimental cases are presented, using the local air quality index and ventilation effectiveness in the breathing zone. The local exhaust system improved the local air quality at the measuring locations closest to the infector in almost all test scenarios. The improvement, particularly significant with displacement ventilation, marked a maximum 35% increase in the local air quality index adjacent to the infector and 25% in the entire breathing zone of the tested meeting room. Moreover, the table plenum settings, coupled with displacement ventilation, further enhanced conditions in the breathing zone. Under the specific conditions of this investigation, the number of operational local exhausts had a marginal impact on mixing ventilation but a significant one on displacement ventilation tests. The efficacy of local exhaust systems was also influenced by the levels of heat gains present in the room. Overall, the study aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to identify sustainable solutions to mitigate indoor airborne diseases with a combination of supply and local exhaust units. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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18 pages, 5647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring of Ventilation, Portable Air Cleaner Operation, and Particulate Matter in California Classrooms: A Pilot Study

by Wenhao Chen, Zhong-Min Wang, Kyle Peerless, Elon Ullman, Mark J. Mendell, David Putney, Jeff Wagner and Kazukiyo Kumagai

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 2052; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16052052 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2114

Abstract

Interest in improving ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) in California schools has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents a field protocol for simultaneous monitoring of usage patterns of in-room portable air cleaners (PACs), indoor and outdoor concentrations and composition of [...] Read more.

Interest in improving ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) in California schools has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper presents a field protocol for simultaneous monitoring of usage patterns of in-room portable air cleaners (PACs), indoor and outdoor concentrations and composition of particulate matter (PM), and CO₂ as an indicator of outdoor air ventilation rates (VRs). This protocol was implemented for a 7-week pilot study in four occupied California classrooms in 2022. Monitoring results showed that VRs and indoor PM were generally well maintained in the classrooms studied. One classroom had much higher overall VRs, as well as higher average indoor PM2.5 concentrations compared to similar classrooms, suggesting a possible strong impact of window/door opening behavior on both VRs and indoor PM. The actual use patterns of PACs in these classrooms varied significantly. No clear correlations were observed between PAC use patterns and indoor PM2.5 concentrations in this pilot study, possibly due to low outdoor PM2.5 concentrations and already efficient central filtration (i.e., MERV 13 filters in central ventilation systems). Information gathered through such field monitoring can help schools to understand the actual classroom ventilation and IAQ conditions and best allocate resources to classrooms that need further IAQ improvements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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17 pages, 4369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Toward Sustainable Indoor Environments: Assessing the Impact of Thermal Insulation Measures on Air Quality in Buildings—A Case Study in Temuco, Chile

by Aner Martinez-Soto, Carlos Jimenez-Gallardo, Andrés Villarroel-Lopez, Alejandro Reyes-Riveros and Johanna Höhl

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020547 - 9 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1391

Abstract

In Chile, an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) has been developed to reduce concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in cities deemed “saturated” with these particles. The plan includes various measures, such as the thermal insulation of homes and the replacement of heaters. [...] Read more.

In Chile, an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) has been developed to reduce concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in cities deemed “saturated” with these particles. The plan includes various measures, such as the thermal insulation of homes and the replacement of heaters. This study presents an analysis of the indices of four indoor air quality variables (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and PM 2.5) in different types of homes with varying levels of PDA implementation in the city of Temuco, Chile. Regarding the temperature variable, only one type of home was found to be within comfort limits, with an average of 20.6 °C and a variation of ±3.52 °C (SD). Concerning humidity, independently owned homes with complete and moderate ADP implementation had average humidity levels between 64.82% ± 7.19% and 55.6% ± 6.11%, respectively. For CO₂, only homes with moderate implementation showed averages slightly below (average 991 ppm) the maximum allowed (1000 ppm). As for PM 2.5, all homes exceeded the standard, ranging from 44.4 µg/m³ to 130 µg/m³, with very high variations. This demonstrates that PM 2.5 concentrations consistently exceeded the limits established by the World Health Organization (15 µg/m³). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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20 pages, 17796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Local Mean Age of Air between Displacement Ventilation System and Mixing Ventilation System in Office Heating Conditions during Winter

by Ik-Hyun An, Su-Hoon Park, Yong-Ho Lee, Chang-Hoon Lee, Sang-Bum Seo, Sang-Hyun Cho, Hyun-Woo Lee and Se-Jin Yook

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010115 - 1 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1987

Abstract

A novel displacement ventilation system (DVS) was designed using a four-way cassette fan coil unit (FCU) and air purifiers (APs) for supplying clean air. The proposed DVS in this study involved drawing indoor air through the FCU and diffusers installed in the ceiling, [...] Read more.

A novel displacement ventilation system (DVS) was designed using a four-way cassette fan coil unit (FCU) and air purifiers (APs) for supplying clean air. The proposed DVS in this study involved drawing indoor air through the FCU and diffusers installed in the ceiling, controlling air temperature using the FCU, and then discharging it back into the office through the APs placed on the floor. The comparative ventilation system considered was the typical mixing ventilation system (MVS) that intakes and exhausts indoor air using diffusers installed on the ceiling. The local mean age of air was used as an index to compare indoor air quality between DVS and MVS under winter heating conditions. It was found that the DVS was more effective in improving indoor air quality in winter than the MVS. Moreover, compared to the MVS, utilizing the DVS designed in this study resulted in the advantage of a much more uniform air temperature variation in the office space. Therefore, it is anticipated that modifying the structure of an indoor space with an FCU installed in the ceiling and APs on the floor to use the DVS designed in this study would greatly assist in enhancing indoor air quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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17 pages, 2461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of CO₂ in Public Buildings

by Ekaterina Dudkina, Emanuele Crisostomi and Alessandro Franco

Energies 2023, 16(22), 7582; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16227582 - 14 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

Heritage from the COVID-19 period (in terms of massive utilization of mechanical ventilation systems), global warming, and increasing electricity prices are new challenging factors in building energy management, and are hindering the desired path towards improved energy efficiency and reduced building consumption. The [...] Read more.

Heritage from the COVID-19 period (in terms of massive utilization of mechanical ventilation systems), global warming, and increasing electricity prices are new challenging factors in building energy management, and are hindering the desired path towards improved energy efficiency and reduced building consumption. The solution to improve the smartness of today’s building and automation control systems is to equip them with increased intelligence to take prompt and appropriate actions to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, while maintaining a desired level of air quality. In this manuscript, we evaluate the ability of machine-learning-based algorithms to predict CO₂ levels, which are classic indicators used to evaluate air quality. We show that these algorithms provide accurate forecasts (more accurate in particular than those provided by physics-based models). These forecasts could be conveniently embedded in control systems. Our findings are validated using real data measured in university classrooms during teaching activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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13 pages, 3976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of a Low-Cost Particulate Matter 2.5 Sensor Calibration Model in Daycare Centers Using Long Short-Term Memory Algorithms

by Hyungjin Jeon, Jewan Ryu, Kyoung Min Kim and Junyeong An

Atmosphere 2023, 14(8), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14081228 - 30 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a crucial environmental issue. Considering its adverse health impacts, especially on children’s immune systems, Korean regulations require annual PM_2.5 measurements in daycare centers. Therefore, we developed a low-cost PM_2.5 sensor calibration model for measuring the indoor [...] Read more.

Particulate matter (PM) pollution is a crucial environmental issue. Considering its adverse health impacts, especially on children’s immune systems, Korean regulations require annual PM_2.5 measurements in daycare centers. Therefore, we developed a low-cost PM_2.5 sensor calibration model for measuring the indoor PM concentrations in daycare centers using long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithms. Moreover, we trained the model to predict the PM_2.5 based on temperature and humidity, and optimized its hyperparameters. The model achieved a high accuracy and outperformed traditional calibration methods. The optimal lookback period was 76, which led to a high calibration performance with root mean and mean squared errors, a coefficient of determination, and mean absolute errors of 3.57 and 12.745, 0.962, and 2.7, respectively. The LSTM model demonstrated a better calibration performance than those of the linear (r² = 0.57) and multiple (r² = 0.75) linear regression models. The developed calibration model provided precise short-term measurement values for the optimal management of indoor PM concentrations. This methodology can be applied to similar environments to obtain new learning and hyper-parameters. Our results will aid in improving the accuracy of low-cost sensors for measuring indoor PM concentrations, thereby providing cost-effective solutions for enhancing children’s health and well-being in daycare centers and other multiuse facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Indoor Air Quality and Built Environment)

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