Indoor Air Quality in High-Performing Building Case Studies: Got Data?

Published

May 12, 2015

Author(s)

Kevin Y. Teichman, Andrew K. Persily, Steven J. Emmerich

Abstract

In this paper, we review how indoor air quality (IAQ) has been addressed in case studies of high-performing buildings (HPBs), specifically the case studies described in ASHRAE’s “High Performing Buildings” magazine. We find that nearly all of the reported case studies address energy performance, both in the design and operation of the building. In contrast, while most case studies mention IAQ design considerations, they generally do not address IAQ in a comprehensive manner nor do they present the impacts of IAQ-related and other design considerations on indoor concentrations or on the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. Based upon this analysis, as well as existing standards and guidelines, we discuss what IAQ information should be collected during the early stages of a building’s operation to demonstrate its IAQ performance. This information includes: (a) documentation of key IAQ-related design features and their implementation during building construction, commissioning, and initial operation; (b) collection of IAQ performance data, including measured pollutant concentrations and ventilation rates, and (c) assessment of occupant satisfaction using occupant surveys. To facilitate comparisons of IAQ performance among buildings, we provide suggestions on how to collect and report this information in a consistent manner.

Citation

Science and Technology for the Built Environment

Volume

21

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

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Keywords

building performance, case studies, green buildings, indoor air quality, high performance buildings, sustainability

Citation

Teichman, K. , Persily, A. and Emmerich, S. (2015), Indoor Air Quality in High-Performing Building Case Studies: Got Data?, Science and Technology for the Built Environment, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=916477 (Accessed April 25, 2024)