Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort in Green Building: A Study for Measurement, Problem and Solution Strategies

Abstract

AbstractIndoor air quality (IAQ) has become a global health issue due to rapid urbanization resulting into construction of air tight high rise buildings affecting the indoor environment. Majority of the people spend an average of 87% of their time within enclosed buildings; living, working and studying. Various types of pollutants are present indoor that are emitted either by natural or anthropogenic activities thus adversely affecting the health of occupants within the building. Major sources of indoor air pollutants are occupants/building users, their activity, appliances, building materials and infiltration of pollutants from outdoors. The concept of sustainability of green buildings includes a wide range of socio-economic and environmental problem. The increase in concentration of indoor pollutant has decreases the indoor air quality and the inadequate design of the green building may cause lower thermal comfort. The pollutant released from the building material and furnishings causes more harm to the occupants but still, there is a scope of improving the IAQ and thermal comfort by implementing the proper natural or mechanical ventilation, air cleaning, proper design of the building material, etc. Through a literature review, a study has been carried out by elaborating the major causes of poor IAQ and thermal comfort. This study also depicts the measurement techniques and strategies for the same. It was concluded from the study that indoor environment could be improved by implementing proper methods and system by following the standards and codes from the different organization before designing the green building, i.e. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and many more such available standards.KeywordsIndoor air qualityVentilationGreen buildingComfort