Greg Keeffe

Indoor air-quality investigation in code for sustainable homes and passivhaus dwellings

Purpose – Energy efficient building design strategies are growing in popularity, promoted through increased awareness of climate change, rising energy prices, global consciousness and a demand for energy security. To aid this design process, assessment tools such as Code for Sustainable Homes (CSHs) and Passivhaus were introduced in the UK. However, it is suggested that these tools prioritise energy efficiency over occupant health through a fundamental lack of attention to indoor air quality (IAQ). The purpose of this paper is to investigate IAQ in selected dwellings built using CSHs level 6, level 3 and Passivhaus homes in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – Using a case study approach, the investigation consisted of IAQ measurements during summer and winter months, occupant diaries and occupant interviews. Findings – The results from the IAQ measurements show the recommended maximum level of 1,000 ppm was breached in all three Code 6 and two Code 3 homes, with levels slightly below this limit in the t...

Cities as Organisms

Since the UN report by the Brundtland Committee, sustainability in the built environment has mainly been seen from a technical focus on single buildings or products. With the energy efficiency approaching 100%, fossil resources depleting and a considerable part of the world still in need of better prosperity, the playing field of a technical focus has become very limited. It will most probably not lead to the sustainable development needed to avoid irreversible effects on climate, energy provision and, not least, society.

An Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in UK Passivhaus Dwellings

The adoption of the German Passivhaus Standard in the UK has grown rapidly in recent years. Stimulated by the shift towards energy efficient design and rising fuel costs, the concept is perceived as a potential means of meeting energy and carbon targets through an established, reliable methodology. However the performance of the Standard in terms of adequate indoor air quality and thermal comfort in a UK climate remains under-researched. This paper describes the use of the Passivhaus Standard in a UK context, and its potential implications on indoor environmental quality. A case study is presented, which included indoor air quality measurements, occupant diary, building survey and occupant interviews in a Passivhaus social housing project in Northern Ireland. The study found issues with indoor air quality, the use and maintenance of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems, lack of occupant knowledge and the perception of overheating in the case study dwellings. The findings provide a much needed insight into the indoor environmental quality in homes designed to the Passivhaus standard; which can be disseminated to aid the development of an effective sustainable building design that is both appropriate to localised climatic conditions and also sensitive to the health of building occupants.

Indoor air quality and the suitability of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems in energy efficient social housing projects: perceptions of UK building professionals

The quality of indoor air in energy efficient buildings is a significantly important yet under-researched area, particularly in a social housing context. This study investigated perceptions of UK building professionals regarding the effect of energy efficient design strategies on indoor air quality. In-depth interviews were conducted with building professionals of four recently completed UK energy efficient social housing projects. The interviews explored perceptions of the importance of indoor air quality consideration during the design process, the impact of energy efficient design strategies on indoor air and the application of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems in a social housing context.The results suggest a significant lack of attention to indoor air quality in energy efficient social housing projects; attributed to a lack of knowledge, perceived costs associated with indoor air quality strategies, focus on energy efficiency goals and a fundamental lack of motivation. Furtherm...