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  4. Energy, indoor air quality, occupant behavior, self-reported symptoms and satisfaction in energy-efficient dwellings in Switzerland
 
research article

Energy, indoor air quality, occupant behavior, self-reported symptoms and satisfaction in energy-efficient dwellings in Switzerland

Yang, Shen  
•
Pernot, Joelle Goyette
•
Jorin, Corinne Hager
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March 15, 2020
Building And Environment

We performed the first large-scale investigation of indoor air quality (IAQ), energy and occupant behavior and satisfaction, in 650 energy-efficient dwellings in western Switzerland. The investigation included comparative assessment of 217 green-certified Minergie (M) and 433 energy-renovated (R) dwellings. Data were collected through a combination of questionnaire survey of building characteristics and occupancy symptoms/satisfaction, as well as field measurements of radon, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde and fungi. The results showed that 90% of M dwellings relied on renewable and low-carbon energy sources for space and water heating, as compared to only 40% of R dwellings. The annual electricity consumptions of M and R dwellings were similar (similar to 33 kWh/m(2)), however, R dwellings consumed more gas and heating oil, thus contributing more to greenhouse gas emissions. Concentration of sampled air pollutants in the two dwelling types was generally below the maximum guideline values. Interestingly, concentration of all air pollutants was significantly lower in M relative to R dwellings: Radon (48 vs. 91 Bq/m(3)), TVOC (167 vs. 259 mu g/m(3)), formaldehyde (12 vs. 15 mu g/m(3)) and fungal colony forming units (33 vs. 48 CFUs). Statistical comparisons revealed that residents of naturally ventilated R dwellings tended to open window more frequently, while occupants of M dwellings relied on mechanical ventilation. We found no differences in occupant satisfaction and self-reported symptoms between the two dwelling types. The findings of this study are of potential utility for interpreting impacts of growing building energy renovation initiatives on indoor air quality, ventilation design and occupant satisfaction.

  • Details
  • Metrics
Type
research article
DOI
10.1016/j.buildenv.2019.106618
Web of Science ID

WOS:000512534000018

Author(s)
Yang, Shen  
Pernot, Joelle Goyette
Jorin, Corinne Hager
Niculita-Hirzel, Helene
Perret, Vincent
Licina, Dusan  
Date Issued

2020-03-15

Published in
Building And Environment
Volume

171

Article Number

106618

Subjects

Construction & Building Technology

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Engineering, Environmental

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Engineering, Civil

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Construction & Building Technology

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Engineering

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residences

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indoor air quality

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green certification

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energy renovation

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occupancy survey

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radon concentrations

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green

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buildings

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environment

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retrofit

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houses

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consumption

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exposure

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comfort

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homes

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
HOBEL  
Available on Infoscience
March 3, 2020
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/166773
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