How can you ensure indoor air quality and comfort in airport terminals while reducing energy use?

2 Heating and cooling

The heating and cooling system is a major factor that influences indoor air quality and comfort, as it maintains the desired temperature and humidity levels in the terminal. To optimize this system, you should select energy-efficient equipment with a high coefficient of performance or energy efficiency ratio. Additionally, renewable energy sources, like solar, wind, geothermal, or biomass, can be used to power the heating and cooling system. Passive design strategies, such as insulation, shading, natural ventilation, and daylighting should also be employed to reduce the heating and cooling demand. Finally, variable-frequency drives (VFDs) can be installed to regulate the speed and power of the motors, pumps, and compressors; thus saving energy and extending equipment life.

3 Air quality monitoring and management

A third important factor that affects indoor air quality and comfort is the air quality monitoring and management system, which measures and displays the levels of pollutants, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide in the terminal. To optimize your system, you should install sensors and meters in strategic locations to collect real-time data. Software and dashboards can be used to analyze the data, identify trends and anomalies, and generate reports and alerts. Implementing actions and policies to improve air quality, such as increasing ventilation rate or enforcing smoking bans, is also essential. Furthermore, it is important to communicate and educate staff and passengers about air quality conditions, energy use benefits, and the actions they can take to contribute.

4 Lighting and acoustics

A fourth significant factor that influences indoor air quality and comfort is the lighting and acoustics system, which provides adequate illumination and noise control in the terminal. To optimize this, energy-efficient lighting, such as LED or CFL, should be used as they have a high luminous efficacy and a long lifespan. Additionally, natural lighting, such as skylights, windows, or light tubes should be implemented in order to reduce the artificial lighting demand and enhance the visual comfort and mood of the occupants. Furthermore, dimming and occupancy sensors should be installed to adjust the lighting level and turn off the lights when not needed, saving energy and preventing glare and overlighting. Additionally, sound-absorbing and sound-insulating materials such as carpets, curtains, panels or ceilings should be used to reduce noise transmission and reverberation in the terminal. Lastly, sound-masking and sound-scattering devices like speakers, fountains or plants should be implemented to create a pleasant background noise that masks unwanted noise sources.

6 Indoor air quality and comfort certification

Obtaining an indoor air quality and comfort certification can be a great way to boost the quality and comfort of your terminal. To do so, you should first select a reputable and accredited certification scheme, such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL, or RESET. Then, you should apply for the certification by submitting the relevant documentation and evidence of your terminal's performance. After that, your terminal will be assessed by a third-party evaluator or auditor who will inspect and test its indoor air quality and comfort conditions and systems. Finally, if successful, you will receive the certification with a rating or label indicating the level of achievement and excellence of your terminal's indoor air quality and comfort performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?