Writes for experts and non-experts on calculation methods for energy consumption in buildings. Gives a brief introduction to the physical and numerical bases used in this field. Presents the calculation methods investigated, selected to cover the simplest as well as the most complex methods in use. Describes calculation examples used for prediction of energy consumption and conservation. Analyses the calculation results and gives conclusions and recommendations. Concludes by covering work carried out on the influence of the inhabitants.

Studies the techniques and issues related to evaluating the airtightness of homes. The first section discusses the physics of air infiltration and the techniques used to measure infiltration rates. Also discusses pressurization testing and its relation to infiltration. The second section presents experimental work aimed at several questions raised in the first section. A long term experiment involving weekly pressurization testing of a home reveal the short-term reproducibility of the test results and the seasonal variation in a home's tightness.

Presents a model for computing the infiltration and air flow between rooms of a multi-room building in terms of basic principles of fluid mechanics. Incorporates model into a comprehensive loads-predicting computer program, and calculates air flows, room temperatures and heating loads for a typical townhouse. When the inter-room openings of a low-rise structure are large compared to the envelope openings, the infiltration and total load can be accurately and more quickly computed by assuming no resistance to air flow between rooms.

Describes a study to map the ground wind conditions in the housing area Kroksback in Malmo, and to study the effect of various proposed measures to improve the wind environment. Studies local ground wind conditions by field measurements using the Swedish Institute for Building Research (SIB) mobile measuring unit and by comparative model tests in the SIB wind tunnel laboratory. Estimates wind speed and direction by means of a simple indicator device.

Compares LBL infiltration model predictions with air infiltration and weather data collected by MITU. Examines 4 simplifying assumptions in the model:1. The flow through cracks in the building shell can be approximated by orifice flow 2. ""Wind-induced and stack-induced infiltration can be added in quadrature 3. Wind-induced infiltration can be represented by averaging the values for 3 typical aspect ratios 4.

Undertakes experimental studies to identify antecedent conditions of various health and comfort problems experienced by office workers in sealed, air conditioned buildings in New York City and Vancouver. Tries to relate building characteristics (paricularly of lighting and ventilation) to prevalence andincidence of reported health and comfort problems. Finds that changing both lighting and ventilation simultaneously results in a 31.2% reduction in reported eye irritation.

Reviews new standards on thermal comfort and discusses the scientific basis for some of the limits. Presents new data for human response to asymmetric radiation and air velocity. Briefly discusses different strategies for saving energy while maintaining thermal comfort.

Develops and tests a low-cost computer-assisted diagnostic package to supply the architect and engineer with key information and understanding of the energy use, balance and resulting saving potential of existing and new buildings. The energy balance is shown in a standard graph. Heat losses are calculated in oil equivalent. The program has its own database for typical thermal performance values of different building types and meteorological data of 26 sites within Switzerland.

Uses social survey data to test the hypothesis that residential energy conservation measures have the effect of reducing air quality in the home and have a subsequent deleterious effect on the health of the residents. A measure of exposure to harsh chemicals at work is tested for its effect on health. Finds small but detectable amounts of carbon monoxide in more than half of the 173 homes surveyed. The CO levels are higher in homes with unvented kerosene or gas space heaters and homes with smokers present.

Describes a field method for surveying residences for indoor air quality. The method requires 2 days of field testing for each residence - a day to perform a multipoint tracer gas study to characterize the ventilation efficiency of the various spaces in the house and to determine the overall air change rate; and a day to measure contaminant concentrations in locations selected according to the results of the tracer gas study and contaminant generation locations. Describes and discusses results obtained by this surveying procedure in 3 energy efficient residences.