Indoor environmental quality research needs for low-energy homes

Abstract

Potential impacts of low energy homes were reviewed to identify research needs for indoor environmental quality in California's building energy-efficiency programs. California and several nations are planning to implement low-energy or low-carbon requirements for new and existing homes. These homes will be well-insulated, airtight, high-performance buildings, but they will have a narrower margin of safety for control of pollutant sources, moisture, and ventilation. California has a growing fraction of vulnerable persons, such as the elderly and asthmatics. Indoor environmental quality problems will be impacted by climate change, urban densification, and transit-oriented development. Building technology trends expected to affect indoor environmental quality for better or worse include increased use of insulation, thermal mass, fault-detection and diagnostics systems, integrated design, and commissioning. Several studies of low-energy homes have documented problems, such as overheating, poor maintenance of air filters and ventilation systems, and excess noise. Current indoor environmental quality problems requiring further research include attached space infiltration; effective range hood operation; ventilations system commissioning; and builder, operator, and occupant training. An expert panel and stakeholders helped develop a prioritized list of research needs for various determinants of indoor environmental quality. The major drivers and research gaps were related to human behavior, pollutant sources, and integrated design.