Indoor environmental quality trade-offs due to summertime natural ventilation in London care homes

Abstract

We evaluate current and future summertime temperature and indoor air quality (IAQ) in two London care homes, occupied by seniors. We further examine the effect of natural ventilation, aiming to identify strategies that can maintain temperature, CO2 and key pollutants (PM2.5, NO2) within acceptable ranges. Data come from simulations in DesignBuilder. Results show a higher risk of overheating in the newer care home, with 85% of hourly outputs exceeding 26°C. In addition, bedrooms are much warmer than lounges in both homes, with averages expected to reach 32-35°C by 2050. In terms of IAQ, 65% of PM2.5 and NO2 hourly outputs are within range; however, without any ventilation, the high CO2 levels are expected to rise by 70-130ppm in 2050, especially in bedrooms of the newer home. Results further indicate that natural ventilation can substantially reduce temperature and CO2, but at the same time it may increase PM2.5 and NO2 coming from outdoors. Yet, these trade-offs can be reduced through a careful ventilation strategy that considers building-specific characteristics, as well as time of day and duration. Findings suggest a need to focus on the interdependencies among indoor environmental quality outputs and highlight the value of inexpensive and sustainable passive ventilation.