Indoor air quality and ventilation measurements in nine air-conditioned buildings in Singapore.

A research initiative, aimed at obtaining status-quo measurements of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and ventilation characteristics in air-conditioned office buildings in Singapore, has resulted in an extensive database, which details are presented in this paper. An integrated IAQ audit methodology developed during the course of the research will be presented and its application to nine buildings will be discussed in chemical, biological and particulate dimensions as well as the thermal comfort parameters. As part of the methodology, continuous monitoring involving long-term profiles of the pollutant concentration levels have been adopted whenever possible that enables a clear understanding of the impact of the air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation system on the pollutant concentration levels. This is further explored through a detailed analysis of the ventilation characteristics by employing tracing gas techniques. The IAQ and the ventilation measurements are subjected to a comprehensive analysis, which comprises a comparison of the measured pollutant concentration levels and the computed ventilation characteristics with established international and local standards and guidelines.