Energy retrofits: factors affecting a just transition to better indoor air quality
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Published Version
Supplementary material
Date
2024
Authors
Coggins, Ann Marie
Hogan, Victoria
Mishra, Asit Kumar
Norton, Daniel
Foster, Declan
Wemken, Nina
Cowie, Hilary
Doherty, Edel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Published Version
Abstract
In comparison with other European countries, Ireland has a disproportionately high number of poorly performing energy-inefficient buildings. Consequently, Ireland has one of the most ambitious energy retrofit programmes in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of deep energy renovation measures i.e. (replacement of heating system and upgrade to building envelope) on indoor air quality, thermal comfort and ventilation in a sample of primarily social housing in Ireland. A mixed methods approach including measurement of indoor air quality and a thermal comfort questionnaire survey was employed. Indoor concentration measurements of PM 2.5 , carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and radon along with measurements of air temperature and relative humidity were made (N=14). Occupants (n=56) completed a thermal comfort questionnaire survey pre- and post-retrofit. Data collection ran from autumn 2020 until autumn 2023. Thermal comfort improved post-retrofit along with occupant satisfaction with the indoor thermal environment and heating-systems. Post-retrofit, higher bedroom CO 2 , and higher PM 2.5 concentrations were recorded in both living areas and bedrooms. Occupant behaviours e.g. blocking wall vents were significant predictors of poorer ventilation while smoking indoors was related to higher concentrations of PM 2.5 . In general, homes that had mechanical ventilation systems installed were better ventilated. Underventilation, as indicated by visible condensation or mould was observed in half of the social homes surveyed and reported by questionnaire respondents (26 %). Tailored communications to occupants regarding the important role of ventilation and indoor air quality is required as part of retrofit to optimise impacts on IEQ.
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Keywords
Social housing , Deep energy retrofit , Indoor air quality , Thermal comfort , Ventilation , Occupant behaviour
Citation
Coggins, A.M., Hogan, V., Mishra, A.K., Norton, D., Foster, D., Wemken, N., Cowie, H. and Doherty, E. (2024) ‘Energy retrofits: Factors affecting a just transition to better indoor air quality’, Indoor Environments, 1(4), 100058 (13pp). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indenv.2024.100058