Indoor air quality, ventilation and occupant comfort in Irish domestic dwellings pre and post Deep Energy renovations

Project Description

Deep Energy renovation (DR) adopts a whole building approach and achieves much larger energy savings than conventional energy renovations. DR includes the installation of mechanical ventilation, high levels of insulation and uses renewable energy technologies, to achieve building energy ratings (BER) of at least A3 and building air tightness levels greater than 5 m3/h.m2. Irelands 4th NEEAP identifies DR as a solution to achieve energy savings in the Irish residential built environment. The impact of energy efficient measures such as DR on indoor air quality (IAQ) is largely understudied internationally. Although research shows that improving the energy performance of a building improves indoor temperature and occupant comfort, the impact on IAQ is unclear. This proposal, aims to measure the air concentration of ten priority pollutants for health in 20 homes participating in SEAI's DR Pilot programme, before and after deep energy renovations. A questionnaire survey will also be used to collect information on occupant comfort and how occupants use the energy saving features in their home. This data is now required to support the implementation of SEAIs DR programme, beyond 2020. Research results will inform DCCAE and SEAIs ventilation strategy for DR in Ireland. The data will also help SEAI understand and address information barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency measures, specifically related to the impact of deep renovations on occupant comfort and air quality in the home. This research will also make a significant contribution to international building energy research.