Search Results (483)

Enhancing indoor environmental quality while reducing building energy consumption represents a critical challenge for sustainable building design, particularly in hot arid climates where cooling loads dominate energy use. Despite extensive research on green wall systems (GWSs), robust quantitative data on their combined impact on air quality and thermal performance in real-world office environments remains limited. This research quantified the synergistic effects of an active indoor green wall system on key indoor air quality indicators and cooling energy consumption in a contemporary office environment. A comparative field study was conducted over 12 months in two identical office rooms in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, with one room serving as a control while the other was retrofitted with a modular hydroponic green wall system. High-resolution sensors continuously monitored indoor CO₂, volatile organic compounds via photoionization detection (VOC_PID; isobutylene-equivalent), and PM2.5 concentrations, alongside dedicated sub-metering of cooling energy consumption. The green wall system achieved statistically significant improvements across all parameters: 14.1% reduction in CO₂ concentrations during occupied hours, 28.1% reduction in volatile organic compounds, 20.9% reduction in PM2.5, and 13.5% reduction in cooling energy consumption (574.5 kWh annually). Economic analysis indicated financial viability (2.0-year payback; benefit–cost ratio 3.0; 15-year net present value SAR 31,865). Productivity-related benefits were valued from published relationships rather than measured in this study; base-case viability remained strictly positive in energy-only and conservative sensitivity scenarios. Strong correlations were established between evapotranspiration rates and cooling benefits (r = 0.734), with peak performance during summer months reaching 17.1% energy savings. Active indoor GWSs effectively function as multifunctional strategies, delivering simultaneous air quality improvements and measurable cooling energy reductions through evapotranspiration-mediated mechanisms, supporting their integration into sustainable building design practices. Full article

Public educational buildings, particularly schools, are often overlooked in energy efficiency initiatives, despite their potential for substantial energy and cost savings. This study presents an integrative, measurement-informed, calibrated model-based approach for assessing and enhancing energy performance in elementary schools located in Israel’s hot-arid climate. By combining multiscale environmental monitoring with a rigorously calibrated Energy Plus simulation model, the study evaluates the impact of three demand-side management (DSM) strategies: night ventilation, external envelope insulation, and a combination of the two. Quantitative results show that night ventilation reduced average indoor temperatures by up to 3.3 °C during peak occupancy hours and led to daily energy savings of 10–15%, equating to approximately 1500–2200 kWh annually per classroom. Envelope insulation further reduced diurnal temperature fluctuations from 7.75 °C to 1.0 °C and achieved an additional 9% energy savings. When combined, the two strategies yielded up to 20% energy savings and improved thermal comfort. The findings provide a transferable framework for evaluating retrofitting options in public buildings, offering actionable insights for policymakers and facility managers aiming to implement scalable, cost-effective energy interventions in educational environments. Full article

In recent years, China has experienced a notable increase in indoor radon concentrations. However, our understanding of residential radon exposure in Central China remains limited and primarily depends on the data collected from residential buildings in Wuhan before 2003. Given this context, the current radon exposure levels in Central China must be assessed immediately, and the factors influencing them be investigated. To address this gap, our study focused on five representative areas in Central China. We monitored indoor radon concentrations in residential areas using random cluster sampling while considering various building structures. The radon levels were measured through the alpha track method, and RSKS standard detectors were deployed in two separate batches to participating households. A total of 1300 detectors were distributed across 579 households, with a recovery rate of 97.15% (1263 detectors were retrieved). The annual average indoor radon concentration in Central China ranged widely from 6.25 Bq/m³ to 310.44 Bq/m³, with an arithmetic mean of 50.20 Bq/m³, which resulted in an average annual effective dose of 2.08 mSv. Referring to World Health Organization standards, the radon concentration in approximately 8.24% of the monitored rooms exceeded the recommended action level. Our analysis indicated that radon concentration is primarily influenced by factors, such as the time of measurement, geographical location, building structure, floor materials, household fuel, and ventilation practices. Multiple regression analysis revealed that these factors collectively account for 10.80% of the variation in radon concentration. Notably, geographical location, building structure, and ventilation mode emerged as important factors. Based on these findings, our study suggests several practical measures to effectively reduce indoor radon levels, including improving ventilation, switching to cleaner fuels, and using environmentally friendly building and decoration materials. Full article

Formaldehyde poses a critical indoor environmental health hazard, particularly in rapidly urbanizing settings. Residential and public buildings serve as the most significant exposure sites; however, the extent of urban populations’ formaldehyde exposure in these two types of environments remains unclear, posing challenges for precise prevention and control strategies. This study employed a comprehensive exposure assessment by combining personal exposure monitoring with environmental sampling to characterize formaldehyde exposure profiles and contributions apportioned to residential and public microenvironments. The mean personal exposure concentration of formaldehyde of working adults was 36.0 μg/m³ (SD: 30.7 μg/m³). The mean chronic daily intake derived from personal data was 5.1 μg/kg/day. Residential environments were identified as the predominant contributors to overall exposure (>50% of total exposure in working adults, and >80% in children/elderly), followed by public places (contributing to 40% among employed adults). For children under 5 years and the elderly, residential settings accounted for >80% of the contribution of total intake. The home and school environments contributed to approximately 60% and 30% of exposure for children and adolescents aged 5–18 years, respectively. Other microenvironments (such as vehicular and outdoor settings) contributed to less than 10%. Simulation scenarios further suggested that reducing indoor formaldehyde concentrations by 15–30% in both residential and public buildings could avert 10–20% of associated health burdens for targeted populations. These findings underscore the continuous need for formaldehyde exposure control in both residential and public environments as well as indoor health interventions in modern urban areas. Full article

Introduction: Increased exposure to air pollution poses a burden to society and healthcare systems worldwide, with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Indoor concentrations of air pollutants, such as particulate matter, are a public health concern because they can be present in higher concentrations than outside. Unlike the effects of indoor environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), there is a dearth of research that includes the impact of e-cigarettes on particulate matter concentrations in the home, which is the focus of this study. Method: Participant, household, and sensor information were obtained from 164 lower-income households located in Cornwall, South West of England. Daily sensor readings were obtained for PM_2.5 for one year. Descriptive statistics were used to describe study participant characteristics and health status. Mean indoor averages, median PM_2.5 measurements, and two-tailed tests were used to assess differences in concentrations of PM_2.5. Results: The 164 surveyed households included 315 residents (67% female) with a mean adult age of 57 (22–92). Half of all homes were in the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Thirty-four per cent of participants were current smokers, and of these 36% have asthma and had seen a doctor in the last year (cf. never smokers 14%, ex-smokers 25%). Mean annual PM_2.5 was highest in smoking households (14.07 µg/m³) and smoking and vaping households (9.18 µg/m³), and lower in exclusive vaping households (2.00 µg/m³) and smoke and vape-free households (1.28 µg/m³). Monthly levels of PM_2.5 fluctuated seasonally for all groups, with the highest recordings in winter and the lowest in summer. Discussion and Conclusion: In this preliminary study, we conducted secondary data analyses using monitoring data from a large health and housing study to assess factors leading to elevated indoor concentrations of particulate matter. Indoor concentrations appeared to be highest in homes where residents smoked indoors. The use of e-cigarettes in the home also appeared to modify concentrations of particulate matter, but levels were lower than in homes with tobacco smoke. We were not able to determine the relationship between smoking and/or vaping indoors and particulate matter, which supports the need for studies of larger sample sizes and more complex longitudinal monitoring. This will help assess the timing and extent of exposures resulting from smoking and vaping indoors, along with a range of other chemical and biological exposures and their corresponding health effects. Full article

Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide, yet monitoring strategies remain limited, expensive, and unevenly applied. Recent advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) offer the potential to change radon surveillance through low-cost, real-time, distributed sensing networks. This review consolidates emerging research on IoT-based radon monitoring, drawing from both primary radon studies and analogous applications in environmental IoT. A search across six major databases and relevant grey literature yielded only five radon-specific IoT studies, underscoring how new this research field is rather than reflecting a shortcoming of the review. To enhance the analysis, we delve into sensor physics, embedded system design, wireless protocols, and calibration techniques, incorporating lessons from established IoT sectors like indoor air quality, industrial safety, and volcanic gas monitoring. This interdisciplinary approach reveals that many technical and logistical challenges, such as calibration drift, power autonomy, connectivity, and scalability, have been addressed in related fields and can be adapted for radon monitoring. By uniting pioneering efforts within the broader context of IoT-enabled environmental sensing, this review provides a reference point and a future roadmap. It outlines key research priorities, including large-scale validation, standardized calibration methods, AI-driven analytics integration, and equitable deployment strategies. Although radon-focused IoT research is still at an early stage, current progress suggests it could make continuous exposure assessment more reliable, affordable, and widely accessible with clear public health benefits. Full article

This research investigates the integration of green cores as central biophilic elements in residential architecture, proposing a climate-responsive design methodology grounded in architectural optimization. The study begins with the full-scale refurbishment of a compact urban apartment, wherein interior partitions, fenestration and material systems were reconfigured to embed vegetated zones within the architectural core. Light exposure, ventilation potential and spatial coherence were maximized through data-driven design strategies and structural modifications. Integrated planting modules equipped with PAR-specific LED systems ensure sustained vegetation growth, while embedded environmental infrastructure supports automated irrigation and continuous microclimate monitoring. This plant-centered spatial model is evaluated using quantifiable performance metrics, establishing a replicable framework for optimized indoor ecosystems. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)-specific LED systems and embedded environmental infrastructure were incorporated to maintain vegetation viability and enable microclimate regulation. A programmable irrigation system linked to environmental sensors allows automated resource management, ensuring efficient plant sustenance. The configuration is assessed using measurable indicators such as daylight factor, solar exposure, passive thermal behavior and similar elements. Additionally, a post-occupancy expert assessment was conducted with several architects evaluating different aspects confirming the architectural and spatial improvements achieved through the refurbishment. This study not only demonstrates a viable architectural prototype but also opens future avenues for the development of metabolically active buildings, integration with decentralized energy and water systems, and the computational optimization of living infrastructure across varying climatic zones. Full article

Indoor sports facilities present unique challenges for air quality management due to high crowd densities and limited ventilation. This study investigated air quality in a municipal athletic facility in Komotini, Greece, focusing on concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀), humidity, and temperature across spectator zones, under varying mask scenarios. Sensing devices were installed in the stands to collect high-frequency environmental data. The system, based on optical particle counters and cloud-enabled analytics, enabled real-time data capture and retrospective analysis. The main experiment investigated the impact of spectators wearing medical masks during two basketball games. The results show consistently elevated PM levels during games, often exceeding recommended international thresholds in the spectator area. Notably, the use of masks by spectators led to measurable reductions in PM_1.0 and PM_2.5 concentrations, because they seem to have limited the release of human-generated aerosols as well as the amount of movement among spectators, supporting their effectiveness in limiting fine particulate exposure in inadequately ventilated environments. Humidity emerged as a reliable indicator of occupancy and potential high-risk periods, making it a valuable parameter for real-time monitoring. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved ventilation strategies in small to medium-sized indoor sports facilities and support the deployment of low-cost sensor networks for actionable environmental health management. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of lighting conditions in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) of two major hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Hospital du Cinquantenaire in Kinshasa and Jason Sendwe Hospital in Lubumbashi. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating continuous illuminance monitoring with structured staff surveys to evaluate visual comfort in accordance with the EN 12464-1 standard for indoor workplaces. Objective measurements revealed that more than 52.2% of the evaluated ICU workspaces failed to meet the recommended minimum illuminance level of 300 lux. Subjective responses from healthcare professionals indicated that poor lighting significantly reduced job satisfaction by 40%, lowered self-rated task performance by 30%, decreased visual comfort scores from 4.1 to 2.6 (on a 1–5 scale), and increased the prevalence of well-being symptoms (eye fatigue, headaches) by 25–35%. Frequent complaints included eye strain, glare, and discomfort with posture, with these issues often exacerbated during the rainy season due to reduced natural daylight. The study highlights critical deficiencies in current lighting infrastructure and emphasizes the need for urgent improvements in clinical environments. Moreover, inconsistent energy supply to these healthcare settings also impacts the assurance of visual comfort. To address these shortcomings, the study recommends transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting, enhancing access to natural light, incorporating circadian rhythm-based lighting systems, enabling individual lighting control at workstations, and ensuring a consistent power supply via the integration of solar inverters to the grid supply. These interventions are essential not only for improving healthcare staff performance and safety but also for supporting better patient outcomes. The findings offer actionable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers in the DRC and similar low-resource settings seeking to enhance environmental quality in critical care facilities. Full article

This paper presents a BIM-oriented methodological framework for integrating air quality monitoring systems based on IoT sensors into building and infrastructure projects. A set of low-cost environmental sensors capable of measuring PM1, PM2.5, PM10, temperature, and humidity was deployed in a real residential setting to illustrate the proposed approach. To enable semantic integration within BIM workflows, a structured classification system, AllBIMclass, was developed. It provides dedicated hierarchical codes for environmental sensors, defined by monitored parameters, installation location (indoor, outdoor, or mixed), power supply, and data handling mode. The pilot experience demonstrated how sensors can be registered, classified, and linked to BIM models, supporting data visualisation and basic management tasks. AllBIMclass is available in Revit 2026 (version 26.6.4.409, build 20250227_1515, 64-bit) (TXT) and Archicad 28 (version 28.0.0, build 3001, x86–64-bit) (XML) formats and is fully compatible with IFC schemas. Although the framework has not yet been applied to large-scale projects, its components are technically operational and ready for implementation. This research contributes to bridging the gap between environmental monitoring and digital construction workflows, paving the way for integration into digital twins, smart buildings, and sustainable infrastructure systems. Full article

Indoor air pollution (IAP) has emerged as a critical yet underrecognized threat to public health, particularly in non-industrial environments such as homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. As individuals spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, exposure to indoor pollutants—such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microbial contaminants—can lead to significant health risks. These risks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The effects range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe outcomes like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review investigates the sources, typologies, and health effects of indoor air pollutants, with a focus on their implications for maternal and child health. In particular, children’s developing systems and higher metabolic intake make them more susceptible to airborne toxins. The study also explores the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding indoor air quality (IAQ), emphasizing how increased awareness and scientific evidence are expanding the scope of medical–legal responsibility. Legal liabilities may arise for property owners, designers, or manufacturers when poor IAQ leads to demonstrable health outcomes. Despite growing concern, there remains a significant research gap concerning the long-term health effects of chronic low-level exposure in residential settings and the efficacy of mitigation strategies. The evolution of smart building technologies and green construction practices offers promising avenues to improve IAQ while maintaining energy efficiency. However, standards and regulations often lag behind scientific findings, highlighting the need for updated, enforceable policies that prioritize human health. This work underscores the urgency of a multidisciplinary and preventive approach to IAQ, integrating public health, environmental engineering, and legal perspectives. Future research should focus on real-time IAQ monitoring, targeted interventions for high-risk populations, and the development of comprehensive legal frameworks to ensure accountability and promote healthier indoor environments. Full article

The growing interest in smart buildings and the integration of IoT-based technologies is driving the development of new tools for monitoring and optimizing indoor environmental quality (IEQ). However, many existing solutions remain expensive, invasive and inflexible. This paper presents the design and validation of a compact, low-cost, and real-time sensor system, conceived for seamless integration into indoor environments. The system measures key parameters—including air temperature, relative humidity, illuminance, air quality, and sound pressure level—and is embeddable in standard office equipment with minimal impact. Leveraging 3D printing and open-source hardware/software, the proposed solution offers high affordability (approx. EUR 33), scalability, and potential for workspace retrofits. To assess the system’s performance and relevance, dynamic simulations were conducted to evaluate metrics such as the Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and illuminance in an open office layout. In addition, field tests with a functional prototype enabled model validation through on-site measured data. The results highlighted significant local discrepancies—up to 6.9 °C in MRT and 28 klx in illuminance—compared to average conditions, with direct implications for thermal and visual comfort. These findings demonstrate the system’s capacity to support high-resolution environmental monitoring within IoT-enabled buildings, offering a practical path toward the data-driven optimization of occupant comfort and energy efficiency. Full article

The integration of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems into heritage buildings poses a series of challenges, largely attributable to architectural constraints and conservation requirements. The present study offers an operational campaign of an MVHR system installed during the energy retrofit of a protected residential heritage dwelling in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Although environmental monitoring was carried out throughout the year, representative spring, autumn and winter days of continuous operation were analysed, as the occupants frequently avoided using the system due to noise perception. This limitation highlights the importance of considering acoustic comfort and user acceptance as critical factors in the long-term viability of MVHR in heritage contexts. The system was assessed under real-life conditions using continuous environmental monitoring, with a focus on indoor air quality (IAQ), thermal efficiency, airflow balance, and pressure losses. Despite the acceptable mean apparent thermal effectiveness (0.74) and total useful efficiency (0.96), the system’s performance was found to be constrained by significant flow imbalance (up to 106%) and elevated pressure drops, which were attributed to the legacy of the duct geometry. The results obtained demonstrate IAQ improved overall, with mean CO₂ concentrations below ~650 ppm across the analysed dataset; however, daily means occasionally exceeded 900–1000 ppm during high-occupancy periods and in the absence of spatially distributed demand control. These exceedances are consistent with the measured outdoor baseline (~400–450 ppm) and reflect the need for post-commissioning balancing and room-level sensing to sustain Category II performance in heritage dwellings. This study provides empirical evidence on the limitations and opportunities of MVHR deployment in historic retrofits, thus informing future guidelines for sustainable interventions in heritage contexts. Full article

The integration of electric underfloor heating systems with photovoltaic (PV) panels presents a promising approach to enhance thermal efficiency and energy sustainability in residential heating. This study investigates the performance of such hybrid systems under different energy supply scenarios. Numerical modeling and simulations were employed to evaluate underfloor heating performance using three electricity sources: standard electric supply, solar-generated energy, and a combined configuration. Solar irradiance sensors were utilized to collect input solar radiation data, which served as a critical parameter for numerical modeling and simulations. The set outdoor air temperature used in the analysis represents an average value calculated from data measured by environmental sensors at the location of the building during the monitored period. Key metrics included indoor air temperature, time to thermal stability, and heat loss relative to outdoor conditions. The combined electric and solar-powered system demonstrated thermal efficiency, improving indoor air temperature by up to 63.6% compared to an unheated room and achieving thermal stability within 22 h. Solar-only configuration showed moderate improvements. Heat loss analysis revealed a strong correlation with indoor–outdoor temperature differentials. Hybrid underfloor heating systems integrating PV panels significantly enhance indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency. These findings support the adoption of renewable energy technologies in residential heating, contributing to sustainable energy transitions. Full article

Occupational environments often expose workers to physical and psychological stressors that compromise well-being and productivity. While biophilic design has gained attention, there remains limited systematic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) within workplace management frameworks. This review aims to map the empirical impacts of NbSs on occupational health, productivity, and environmental quality, and to identify key barriers and facilitators for their integration into comprehensive Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety (QEHS) management systems. A scoping literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies published between 2019 and 2024. A total of 2452 records were initially retrieved, with 39 studies retained for synthesis following screening, eligibility assessment, and critical appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings indicate that NbSs can reduce stress, improve physical and cognitive health, and enhance workplace productivity. Reported benefits include reduced absenteeism, improved indoor air quality, and measurable financial returns. However, significant challenges persist, including high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance demands, a shortage of specialized labor, and methodological heterogeneity across studies. In particular, hybrid approaches combining physical natural elements and immersive technologies such as virtual reality emerged as promising alternatives for spatially constrained environments. Participatory co-design and stakeholder engagement were also identified as critical success factors for effective implementation. Integrating NbSs into QEHS frameworks has the potential to foster healthier, more resilient, and sustainable workplaces. Alignment with recognized certifications can further support systematic adoption and monitoring. Future research should prioritize longitudinal designs, standardized outcome metrics, and physiological markers, while addressing geographical gaps through studies in underrepresented regions. Embedding participatory processes and certification alignment can enhance stakeholder buy-in and practical scalability, advancing the integration of NbSs into holistic workplace management strategies. Full article