emission

A 3-year research project was established in 1999 to create numerical reference data formaterial emissions during the time of construction and during the first year after the buildinghas been taken into use. A total of nine measurement sites, representing the presentconstruction practice in Finland, were chosen for investigation. Material emissionmeasurements for surfaces, using the field and laboratory cell (FLEC) technique, wereperformed in the newly finished and 6- and 12-month-old buildings according to a specifiedschedule.

This research is to develop a mass-transfer model for describing the emission of volatileorganic compounds (VOCs) from architectural coatings, which accounts for both surfaceevaporation and internal diffusion during the drying period. To apply this model, it isnecessary to know the evaporation and diffusion coefficients of VOC emitted from thecoating materials. An experimental method was, therefore, developed to determine boththe evaporation and diffusion coefficients for six aliphatic hydrocarbons and six aromatichydrocarbons from oil-based paint.

An intervention study was performed in a mechanically ventilated office building in which there were severe indoor climate complaints among the occupants. In one part of the building a new heating and ventilation strategy was implemented by renovating the HVAC system, and a carpet was replaced with a low-emitting vinyl floor material; the other part of the building was kept unchanged, serving as a control. A comprehensive indoor climate investigation was performed before and after the intervention.

This study investigated the sources and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde in the air of a new office and conference centre building. The building is naturally ventilated, and was designed to demonstrate a number of innovative approaches to environmental design. Occupant surveys have shown a high level of occupant satisfaction with the indoor environment.