SEDL / STP / STP957-EB / STP25701S

Field Measurements for Air Quality in Office Buildings: A Three-Phased Approach to Diagnosing Building Performance Problems

Sterling, EM
Director of Building Research and senior research associates, Theodor D. Sterling Limited, Vancouver, B. C.

McIntyre, ED
Director of Building Research and senior research associates, Theodor D. Sterling Limited, Vancouver, B. C.

Collett, CW
Director of Building Research and senior research associates, Theodor D. Sterling Limited, Vancouver, B. C.

Meredith, J
Manager, Energy Conservation, British Columbia Buildings Corporation, Victoria, B. C.

Sterling, TD
Professor, School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B. C.

Pages: 20    Published: Jan 1987

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Abstract

This paper reports on a phased system of integrated measurements of ventilation and occupant complaints that is relatively inexpensive yet may lead to effective diagnosis of a building's indoor air quality (IAQ) problems.

1. Physical inspection of the building, surroundings, and ventilation system.

2. Use of standardized questionnaire to (1) compare distribution of responses to those obtained from buildings without increased occupant complaints, (2) determine major types of complaints, (3) inspect distribution of complaints by location in building, and (4) check for specific complaints that may indicate special sources of contaminants.

3. Use carbon dioxide (CO²) concentrations as an index of overall ventilation adequacy.

4. Use carbon monoxide (CO) distribution as an index for overall infiltration pattern of combustion byproducts.

5. Measure fresh air supply by location, during variation of mechanical system operation, using tracer gases, smoke pencils, and tests of actual functioning of the mechanical system.

6. Compare design specification of mechanical system with all observations.

Specific measurement techniques are illustrated through a case study.