Browsing by Author "Boulic, Mikael"

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    Impact of indoor environmental quality on cognitive function : an analysis of thermal comfort and carbon dioxide levels in New Zealand primary schools : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Construction at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2024) Tookey, Lara
    This study investigates the relationship between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) parameters—specifically thermal comfort and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels—and the cognitive functioning of primary school students in New Zealand. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, combining field measurements, surveys, and cognitive assessments across multiple geographical regions and seasons. Utilising the SKOMOBO Indoor Environmental Monitoring (IEM) platform and magnetic sensors, the study provides detailed analyses of classroom conditions before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing significant seasonal variations in temperature and ventilation effectiveness. The research explores factors influencing window-opening behaviours and their impact on IEQ and thermal comfort through questionnaires, observational studies, and sensor data. Additionally, it examines the effects of different environmental conditions on students’ concentration, reasoning, and memory, using controlled experiments and the Creyos online cognitive testing platform. Key findings indicate that optimal thermal comfort and good ventilation significantly enhance cognitive abilities, while elevated CO₂ levels and temperature fluctuations negatively impact performance. The study emphasises the critical role of proper heating, cooling, and ventilation strategies in maintaining a healthy and conducive learning environment. Based on these insights, the research proposes evidence-based recommendations for improving IEQ in primary schools, including optimising natural ventilation, enhancing insulation and heating systems, and implementing continuous monitoring of classroom conditions. The study highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in driving systemic changes to create healthier, more effective learning spaces that support students’ cognitive development and academic success.
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    The indoor environmental benefits from replacing unflued gas and portable electric heaters with higher capacity non indoor polluting heaters : an interventional field study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Building Technology at Massey University, Manawatu campus, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Boulic, Mikael
    A two year intervention study investigated the relationship between domestic heaters and indoor environment of children with asthma. The main objectives of this project were to investigate the changes to the measured indoor environmental parameters, when a higher capacity non indoor polluting replacement heater was installed and to examine if this intervention was sufficient to provide the households with a healthy indoor environment. Baseline monitoring was carried out in the living rooms and child’s bedrooms of 33 homes including the real time measurement of four gaseous key pollutants, room temperature, relative humidity (RH) and usage of the original heater (unflued gas heater (UGH) or portable electric heater) for up to one week. Airborne fungi level and fungi level from the floor dust were measured and a visual inspection of fungi was undertaken. The suitability of the wall environment for fungi development was estimated via a fungal detector and correlated to wall psychrometric conditions (temperature, RH). The different fungi assessment methods were compared. The measurements were repeated in 36 homes, following the replacement of the UGH or portable electric heater with a higher capacity non indoor polluting heater such as flued gas heater, wood pellet burner or heat pump in the intervention homes. Of these homes, 27 were monitored for both winters. Excessive levels of pollutants were found when the UGH was operated, even for short periods. Acceptable air quality levels were achieved for all replacement heater homes. The study showed that the replacement heaters were operated for longer periods than the heaters they replaced. The homes with the replacement heaters installed were warmer and dryer and had less mould than the homes with UGHs. The replacement heater also had a positive impact on the wall psychrometric conditions with reduced water availability for mould to grow. Replacing the UGH with a higher capacity non indoor air polluting heater reduced the asthmatic children’s exposure to harmful indoor environment. Unvented gas heating appliances should be more regulated and ideally should not be operated in homes.