Indoor Environmental Quality Benefits of Apartment Energy Retrofits

Abstract

Sixteen apartments serving low-income populations in three buildings were retrofit with the goal of simultaneously reducing energy consumption and improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Retrofit measures varied among apartments and included, among others, envelope sealing, installation of continuous mechanical ventilation systems, upgrading bathroom fans and range hoods, attic insulation, replacement of heating and cooling systems, and adding wall-mounted particle air cleaners. IEQ parameters were measured, generally for two one-week periods before and after the retrofits. The measurements indicate an overall improvement in IEQ conditions after the retrofits. Comfort conditions, bathroom humidity, and concentrations of carbon dioxide, acetaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, and particles generally improved. Formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide levels decreased in the building with the highest concentrations, were unchanged in a second building, and increased in a third building. IEQ parameters other than particles improved more in apartments with continuous mechanical ventilation systems installed. In general, but not consistently, larger percent increases in air exchange rates were associated with larger percent decreases in indoor levels of the pollutants that primarily come from indoor sources.

Indoor air quality in green-renovated vs. non-green low-income homes of children living in a temperate region of US (Ohio)

“…It has been suggested that multilevel interventions are necessary to properly assess and improve the indoor environment of low-income residents (Brugge et al, 2003; Sandel et al, 2004). Previous studies have emphasized the potential for IAQ improvements through retrofit measures that also make houses more energy-efficient (Noris et al, 2013). However, even with lower emission materials, tighter homes still have the potential of poorer IAQ due to reduced air exchange.…”

Environmental perceptions and health before and after relocation to a green building

“…Exposure assessments comparing conventional buildings to green buildings show reductions in several key pollutants associated with symptom reports including particles, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and allergens [11–13]. However, the IEQ improvements did not extend to CO 2 or air exchange rate, demonstrating the influence of energy efficiency on green building operation and design.…”

Measurement-Based Evaluation of Installed Filtration System Performance in Single-Family Homes

“…Past research show large variability in indoor air quality between units (Noris et al 2013) following retrofit measures that included adding a wall-mounted air cleaner to each unit. Sampling in different units is likely needed in order to properly characterize how the between-unit airflow may impact filtration system performance.…”