Ventilation, indoor environment quality and climate—comparison of European and Singapore office buildings

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Indoor environment quality audits were performed in six European countries and in Singapore using the same methodology. Five to eight office buildings were audited in each country. The audits included airflow rate measurements, energy audit, indoor air quality (VOC1 CO2, dust concentrations), and questionnaires to occupants. Questions to occupants addressed their health, their comfort and well-being, as well as their perception of their environment. This paper compares the results obtained from these audits, with particular attention to the effects of ventilation or air conditioning systems and climate. The number of building related symptoms is, on the average, significantly smaller in the buildings audited in Singapore than in Europe. One of the reasons may be the non-smoking policy common in Singapore. It is also once more observed that buildings are often over-warmed in cold climates and overcooled in warm climates. Surprising, but not new, is that there are no correlations between specific air flow rates and perceived air quality or health, as long as airflow rates are within accepted standards.