Monitoring the effect of indoor environment quality on occupants’ comfort and satisfaction : the case of two renovated houses : a research thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Construction, Massey University, Albany, Auckland, New Zealand
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Date
2023
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Massey University
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Abstract
The well-being and satisfaction of occupants in buildings are greatly affected by indoor environmental quality (IEQ). This research project is aimed at monitoring and comprehensively analysing the effect of IEQ on the occupants' perception, comfort, and satisfaction during their daily activities in their homes, with a specific focus on the winter season when indoor environments face unique challenges due to heating, ventilation, and insulation factors. The project has two main objectives: Firstly, it aims to analyse the subjective experiences and perceptions of individuals in their homes at different times of the day. It is achieved by collecting data on occupant activities, environmental conditions, and subjective feedback to understand how different IEQ factors affect occupant comfort and satisfaction. These factors include temperature, humidity, air quality, and illuminance. Secondly, the study intends to explore the importance of maintaining a 'good' IEQ in residential buildings for occupants' overall health and well-being. By examining the correlation between IEQ parameters and occupant well-being, the study provided insights into the optimal conditions required for occupants to feel comfortable and satisfied in their living spaces. This information can inform building design, renovation, and maintenance practices to create healthier and more conducive indoor environments. The research project employed quantitative and qualitative methods to achieve these objectives. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and objective measurements of IEQ parameters using advanced sensors and monitoring systems. Statistical analysis techniques are applied to identify patterns, correlations, and potential influencing factors. The findings of this research project are expected to contribute significantly to the existing knowledge base on IEQ and its impact on occupant well-being and satisfaction. Building designers, managers, and policymakers can use the information and insights from this study to enhance IEQ standards and promote healthier living environments. Ultimately, the goal is to create indoor spaces that meet or exceed energy efficiency standards and prioritise the comfort, well-being, and satisfaction of those who occupy them. In summary, this research project aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for creating healthier, more comfortable, and sustainable living spaces by monitoring and analysing the effect of IEQ on occupant well-being and satisfaction during the winter season. This research project will analyse and show the differences between two refurbished buildings. Each building has been renovated according to the New Zealand Standard (MBIE, 2022) regarding Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and energy use. Internal environmental monitoring takes the tangible evidence of how the external and internal environment with human behaviour acts on interior air quality, temperature, humidity, illuminance, and concentration of CO2, influencing occupants' perception, comfort, and well-being. Harvested data will be crucial to understanding the optimum performance in two rental setups with the occupants in a building at different times of the week (weekends) and the year (seasons).