What are the best practices for indoor environmental quality in green buildings?

Best practices for indoor environmental quality in green buildings include: 1. Ensuring adequate ventilation with high-efficiency HVAC systems. 2. Using low-VOC and non-toxic materials. 3. Maximizing natural light and incorporating biophilic design elements. 4. Implementing moisture control to prevent mold. 5. Ensuring acoustic comfort with sound-insulating materials. 6. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems and air purifiers. 7. Conducting regular indoor air quality assessments.

Ventilation and filtration are two methods to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by reducing the concentration of airborne pollutants and contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, dust, mold, and allergens. Some key points about ventilation and filtration are: Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air, which can be done by natural or mechanical means. Ventilation can dilute and disperse pollutants and lower the risk of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems, such as sick building syndrome, allergies, asthma, and infections.

Increasing ventilation rate is amongst the n°1 suggestions from ASHRAE and similar bodies when it comes to improving Indoor Air Quality. This is particularly true for workplaces where there is a high concentration of particles, pollutants and contaminants. Sometimes natural ventilation cannot be enough and we instead need to install air conditioning equipment, preferably working with 100% outside air.

There are plenty of man-made ventilation and filtration systems, but what about those provided by nature? Adding plants to the indoor environment can help to not only filter the air, but to produce the oxygen we breath, and the organic shapes an colors our brains naturally crave--mental/mood benefits! And it's not just a theory: scientific studies have also shown that indoor plants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours, improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost mood. NASA has conducted extensive research on the benefits of indoor plants and found that indoor plants can scrub the air of cancer-causing volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene.

Natural Ventilation: Design buildings to maximize natural ventilation. This includes strategic placement of windows, vents, and operable panels to allow for fresh air circulation and reduce reliance on mechanical ventilation. Thermal Comfort: Design for thermal comfort by optimizing insulation, glazing, and shading strategies. Ensure that occupants have control over temperature settings when possible, and consider factors like radiant heating and cooling.

There are so many factors impacted by thermal comfort: consider for example the productivity at work. Experts say that it can be improved by 12% where proper ventilation is in place. It is very important that temperature at work is kept at a specific level that improves humans' wellbeing and comfort, so that also productivity is affected. In Southern Spain a recent law has been approved to improve thermal comfort in all schools, by installing evaporative cooling systems. These are cooling equipment working with 100% fresh outside air. They also maintain a proper RH%level, that can be easily kept inside the range suggested by ASHRAE (40-60%).

Thermal comfort is an important factor that affects Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)1. It is the degree of satisfaction with the indoor temperature and humidity, which can be influenced by metabolic rate, clothing level, air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed, and relative humidity2

-Incorporate passive design strategies that take advantage of natural factors such as sunlight, shading, and ventilation. -Implement zoning systems that allow occupants to adjust temperature settings in different areas of the building according to their preferences. -Utilize materials with high thermal mass, such as concrete or stone, to absorb and store heat energy. -Conduct thermal comfort analysis using computational tools to assess and optimize the thermal conditions within the building. -Implement continuous monitoring systems to track and analyze indoor environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and air quality.

Actually, I believe passive design is a good suggestion just in terms of operational energy reduction, and building energy consumption. However, the impact of embodied carbon emission in terms of high-density materials such as concrete and insulation is neglected.

Design spaces to maintain optimal thermal comfort by providing adequate insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and individual temperature controls. Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and air movement to create a comfortable environment for occupants.

There is no question that an environment with adequate daylight and visual quality contributes to the mental and physical well-being of its occupants. To maximize the benefits of lighting and views, designers should optimize the window configuration. The position and size of the windows should be determined based on the size and orientation of the room, the type of view desired, the amount of natural light needed, and the building occupancy. The efficiency of the room space quality can be maximized by positioning the windows in the right place. This can help to reduce energy consumption and create a more aesthetically pleasing environment. Additionally, the right window configuration can also help to reduce glare and glare-related issues.

Lighting and views are important aspects of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), which is the condition of the indoor environment that affects the health, comfort, and well-being of building occupants. According to the web page you are viewing, some of the best practices for lighting and views are: Maximizing daylighting with windows, skylights, and other features to provide natural illumination and reduce energy consumption.

To optimize natural views in architecture, consider these strategies: 1) Conduct a site analysis to understand topography, climate, and surroundings. 2) Orient and layout the building to capture the best views, using windows and openings strategically. 3) Position rooms and functions that benefit from views in key areas. 4) Use architectural elements to frame and enhance views. 5) Integrate outdoor spaces and landscaping to connect with nature. 6) Incorporate sustainable design strategies for energy efficiency. 7) Balance privacy and views with shading and landscaping. 8) Design for all seasons and weather conditions. Tailor these strategies to the project's unique context and goals.

Maximizing the use of natural daylight through well-designed window placements, skylights, and light shelves not only reduces the reliance on artificial lighting but also enhances occupant well-being and visual comfort. Energy-efficient lighting fixtures and controls further contribute to adequate illumination while minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, providing quality views of the surrounding environment, such as green spaces or water features, fosters a connection with nature, reduces stress, and promotes productivity.

Interior lighting design best practices include layering, integrating natural light, considering color temperature and CRI, utilizing dimming and lighting controls, and choosing appropriate fixtures and placement. 1. Layering involves combining ambient, task, and accent lighting for depth and flexibility. Integrating natural light enhances ambiance and connection with the outdoors. 2. Color temperature and CRI impact the mood and color accuracy. 3. Dimming and lighting controls offer flexibility, energy savings, and automation. 4. Proper fixture selection and placement ensure even illumination and avoid glare.

Acoustics and noise are indeed important aspects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ), as they can affect the comfort, health, and productivity of building occupants. Here are some key points about acoustics and noise in IEQ: Acoustics is the science of sound and how it behaves in different environments. Acoustics can be measured by objective parameters such as sound pressure level, reverberation time, sound transmission class, and speech intelligibility index1. Noise is any unwanted or harmful sound that can cause annoyance, stress, or hearing loss. Noise can be classified into different types, such as background noise, environmental noise, service noise, and activity noise

In the ever-changing world of hospitality, it's a norm to revamp hotel interiors every 5-7 years for reasons like rebranding and catching up with the latest design trends. While these updates make sense, there's a downside – they often sideline sustainable materials and finishes. Hotel owners tend to favor frequent updates over sustainable choices, even though the latter may have a higher upfront cost but lower maintenance in the long run. As designers, tackling this challenge is key to championing sustainable design practices. It's not just about our sustainability expertise; it's about challenging the common practice and reshaping priorities for designs that stand the test of time while being eco-friendly.

Ergonomics and furniture is a fifth factor that affects indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which is the condition of the indoor environment that influences the health, comfort, and productivity of building occupants. Ergonomics and furniture refers to the design and arrangement of the indoor elements that support the physical and mental activities of building occupants. It can affect posture, movement, comfort, functionality, and flexibility of the indoor space. Some best practices for ergonomics and furniture are: Design ergonomic features that fit body dimensions, such as adjustable desks, chairs, monitor arms, keyboard trays, footrests, and document holders

To optimize artificial sustainable lighting, at FPOV we consider 1) Choose energy-efficient lighting sources 2) Implement controls such as occupancy sensors or dimmers to ensure lights are only on when needed 3) Use task lighting to provide focused illumination, reducing the need for general lighting 4) Design layouts that minimize glare and provide uniform lighting distribution 5) Select fixtures with high efficacy ratings for energy efficiency 6) Utilize smart lighting systems for precise and efficient control. 7) Incorporate daylight harvesting techniques to utilize natural light 8) Conduct regular maintenance to keep systems operating efficiently. These strategies reduce energy consumption, enhance comfort, minimize environmental impact

Improving the indoor environemental quality with interior plants and creating breakout spaces for the occupants, gives a sense of relaxation and visual comfort.

Abundant daylight, natural ventilation, and occupant comfort are undeniably important in creating quality interior environments with the goal of sustainable design in mind. What bolsters these design elements is giving Occupant control over these items with a variety of options to suit a diversity of end-users.

Education and awareness: Promote awareness and education among building occupants about the importance of IEQ and sustainable practices. Provide information on proper use and maintenance of building systems, as well as strategies to enhance personal well-being within the built environment.