Approximately 40% of the energy consumption in Sweden is utilized in the heating of buildings. In order to reduce the amount of energy utilized for heating purposes, more stringent thermal insulation requirements for buildings were introduced.
Regulations relating to building design, construction and occupancy in the various States of the USA are examined to assess the technical bases for their ventilation provisions and to determine if they permit innovation in indoor air quality technology.
Many aspects of window performance cannot be adequately predicted from basic principles, hence a number of standard tests are evolving for evaluation of some of the primary ones. The tests are widely used in product standards, along with
Discusses the various measures used to achieve the energy-conservation aims of the Federal Republic of Germany thermal insulation regulations of 1 January 1984 and to counter the health problems that arose as a result of higher fuel prices leading to reduced domestic fuel consumption in conjunction with poor ventilation. Discusses the advantages of installing heat recovery based central air conditioning systems with filters which are eligible for tax relief.
Specific indoor air quality issues that have arisen in the UK in recent years have involved asbestos, formaldehyde, pesticide residues, radon and combustion products. Different measures have been taken with regard to each of these substances. In general, an education approach has been adopted, although national standards, industry self-regulation and some regulatory measures have been used. In the UK, control of ill defined, distributed or non stationary indoor air pollutants such as body odour, tobacco smoke and water vapour, is considered to be best achieved by suitable ventilation.
States that the new UK building regulations show a recognition of the importance of controlling the build-up of moisture and indoor air pollutants in the home. Concentrates on how designers can meet the need for adequate ventilation without wasting excessive energy.
A subcommittee of the Nordic Committee for Building Codes has released guidelines for building regulations regarding indoor air quality, especially concerning ventilation. The main features of the guidelines, such as acceptable outdoor air quality for ventilation and minimum outdoor air flows for dwellings and offices, are presented and discussed. Mechanical ventilation is, in principle, required in all buildings including dwellings, due to therequirement of a minimum outdoor air change of 0.5 h-1 and the normal highly airtight nature of new buildings.
As airtight houses become more popular across Canada, reduced ventilation rates may lead to poor air quality and high humidity problems in these dwellings. This paper reviews the needs for ventilation, ventilation methods and systems, and current codes and standards, particularly with respect to airtight and energy efficient houses. Current research in Canada is reviewed and considerations for a new ventilation standard are discussed.
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