Solving Indoor Environmental Problems: What Can Be Found Out through Individual Measurements?

Abstract

When causes for occupant complaints are explored, in most of the buildings there is not just a single problem in the indoor environment; typically there are several issues. Indoor air quality can deteriorate as a consequence of volatile, particulate, and fibrous material emissions, and through microbial growth. Poor operation of ventilation systems may worsen the situation created by these impurities in addition to provoking thermal discomfort and a sensation of draught for the occupants. For comprehensive improvement of indoor environment, the problem-solving process encompasses occupant satisfaction surveys/questionnaires, carefully selected technical measurements, a plan of corrective actions, and a post-action survey. This chapter presents applications, benefits, and limitations of the most common field measurements used in office-type environments to analyse indoor environment quality.