Noise Thermal comfort Humidity Visual comfort Air quality Ergonomics What is comfort?

Definition of comfort and health The condition of an occupant in a building, expressed by dissatisfaction with the environment, building related symptoms and/or illnesses, also named Indoor Environment QualityThe condition of an occupant in a building, expressed by dissatisfaction with the environment, building related symptoms and/or illnesses, also named Indoor Environment Quality

COMFORT AND HEALTH SITUATION (in office buildings) Occupants are dissatisfied with their working environmentOccupants are dissatisfied with their working environment Absence due to sickness: 20% related to indoor environmentAbsence due to sickness: 20% related to indoor environment Increase of vacant office buildingsIncrease of vacant office buildings Good indoor environmentGood indoor environment  increase productivity with 5 to 15%

COMFORT AND HEALTH SITUATION (in dwellings and schools) Percentage of people having asthma and allergies is still increasingPercentage of people having asthma and allergies is still increasing The strict guidelines for energy savings still causes indoor environmental problemsThe strict guidelines for energy savings still causes indoor environmental problems Number of dwellings, apartment buildings and schools that need refurbishment and/or renovation are increasing.Number of dwellings, apartment buildings and schools that need refurbishment and/or renovation are increasing.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

CAUSES FOR UNHEALTHY BUILDINGS Different motives/incentives:Different motives/incentives: for example –Society: safety and health, sustainability, regulations –Construction market: cost effectiveness, market potential, integration building process –End-user: quality and comfort, flexibility –Research society: knowledge (no. publications)

CAUSES FOR UNHEALTHY BUILDINGS Communication:Communication: –Lack or miscommunication between different stakeholders –Incomplete or lack of specific education/ dissemination programme for each of the stakeholders (investment, maintenance, regulation and construction markets, and occupant)

CAUSES FOR UNHEALTHY BUILDINGS Gaps in knowledge: for exampleGaps in knowledge: for example –IAQ: pollutants effects, ventilation requirements, pollution source control –Holistic approach: effects of all environmental parameters together –Energy measures in relation to indoor environment quality –Performance criteria for healthy buildings

CAUSES FOR UNHEALTHY BUILDINGS Regulation:Regulation: –Incomplete or non-existing for indoor environment quality –Existing regulations for other issues can be in contradiction: for example possible effects of energy regulations on indoor environment quality

WHAT CAN WE DO IN ENERBUILD? Collect knowledge available on Indoor Environmental quality in previous and current projects Inventory existing regulations and regulations on other issues that might contradict with Indoor Environment Quality Identify the gaps of knowledge Formulate topics of research for new programmes Define a strategy for reaching each of the stakeholders OPEN FOR DISCUSSION