Exploring determining factors of indoor environment quality (IEQ)

Abstract

People spend approximately 90% of their life in the indoor environment of buildings. Indoor environment significantly influences the health, the comfort and the performance of buildings users. The long-term insufficient indoor environment is associated with the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). According to previous studies, basic factors influencing satisfaction and performance in indoor environments include indoor air quality and ventilation, thermal comfort, lighting and daylighting, noise and acoustics, space layout, biophilia and view, look and feel, location and amenities. This paper aims to analyze the factors of the indoor environment and determine which factors have significant impacts on indoor environment quality. The method of pairwise comparison (Fuller's triangle) is used in the contribution for the determination of significant factors of indoor environment quality (IEQ). The method of Fuller's triangle is based on the select preferred factor of a pair of factors. Implementation of new knowledge into the building practice can significantly affect the indoor environment quality already in the pre-production phase and design phase of buildings according to principles of sustainable development.