This report documents the consultation process undertaken as part of the IEA ECBCS Annex 37 Preparation Phase activity. The report includes: an overview of informationprovided bythe twelve individuals consulted; and identification of key issues for consideration in developing theinitial Annex work plan.

This report focuses on a specific approach and constellation of technologies for heating and cooling buildings. The goal is to contribute to more sustainable energy use over the life span of buildings. The apporach is the use of lower-grade energy sources and more sustainable energy practices for space heating and cooling. The technology and applications addressed in this report relate to the 'building-end' mechanical system: the space and water heating and space cooling equipment located in buildings.

A self contained guide to all aspects of cleanroom design, construction, testing and operation. Also examines cleanroom clothing requirements, as well as practical advice on the cleaning of cleanroom facilities. Supplemented by information on the latest sources, recommended practices, journals, books and internet sites.

The Conservation Co-op is a four storey 84 unit residential building in Ottawa, Canada, which when built (1995) embodied as many environmentally sound concepts and technologies as possible within the confines of an extremely tight budget. The objective of the development team was to provide affordable housing with minimal environmental impact, enhanced durability and superior occupant health and comfort. After five year of occupancy, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation initiated a review of the performance of the buildings.

The study was initiated to evaluate effects of automotive emissions from attached garages on the indoor environment in Canadian single-detached houses and the impact on occupants' health. This work consisted of testing a total of 25 houses in the Ottawa area to characterize the extent of leakage between the attached garages and houses. The selected houses were from various age groups, styles and types of attached garages. The study found that most of the air leaks from the garage were found to be leading into the basement.

Describes a study designed to investigate sooting problems in houses where occupants reported regular burning of candles. Samples of stained carpets, filters and other materials as well as swab samples of black dust or soot were taken from five homes. Other potential pollutant sources were also identified by air quality audits conducted on each home. In addition, the study included a search of industry information to uncover best practices for cost-effective clean up and control of soot or staining problems.

Many buildings under construction or renovation today require a smoke-control system, either to gain building regulations approval or, to protect the building, its contents and occupants, and to offer assurance of business continuity in case of fire. Traditionally natural rather than powered smoke ventilation systems have been preferred. The article considers why this has been the case, and covers failsafe operation, self compensating, quiet operation and cost effectiveness.

Describes how a Wisconsin engineer is using basic thermodynamic principles and readily available equipment to design innovative heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. The hybrid HVAC designs offer two crucial elements: supply ventilation composed of 100% outdoor air and significantly reduced energy consumption. The new systems are both competitive in price to conventional systems and also less expensive to maintain. In one case study the hybrid system ventilates a 33 year old school building with 100% outdoor air and reduces building energy costs by at least 21%.

Describes a simplified numerical model, POMA (Pressurized zOnal Model with Air-diffuser, intended to predict the airflow pattern and thermal distributions within a room. The authors introduced jet characteristic equations into the model to make its application general for mechanically ventilated buildings. The models prediction was compared with experimental results and with that of another zonal model and a CFD model. Both natural and forced ventilation were considered. States that the findings show that the POMA model is a practical tool for ventilation system design.

The article discusses relationships between indoor and outdoor levels of various air contaminants (nitrogen monoxide, nitrous oxides, sulphur dioxide and ozone), in ten non-smoking residential buildings in Hong Kong. The experiment used passive samplers. Estimated the source and sink strengths of the contaminants, applying an integral approach to the mass balance equation. The results indicated that the buildings acted as sinks for the contaminants. When compared to the newly developed indoor air quality guidance notes in Hong Kong, the nitrogen oxides level gave some cause for concern.