Constructional aspects and the use of school building had led to moisture and mold damages confirmed by microbiological analysis from material, surface and air samples. Cultivation methods were used to assess mesophilic fungi and actinobacteria. High concentrations of microbes (10 5 -10 6 cfu/g in different materials) were recovered from the samples. Microbes included great variety of moisture indicating species (e.g. Aspergillus versicolor, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Stachybotrys, Chaetomium, Streptomyces).

The needle heat exchanger (acts as a pre filter EU3) was installed in front of the glass fiber used as a fine filter (EU7) in the supply air chamber. Thus, the temperature of the supply air increased and the relative humidity of the fine filter next to the heating unit decreased. The aim of this study was to examine how the installation of the needle heat exchanger effects on the microbial growth and release in the fine filter. The relative humidity of the fine filter in the supply air unit fell below 70 % during different seasons.

This paper presents an approach to evaluate the sensitivity of a roof design to condensation problems, given the uncertainty to achieve continuity of airtightness in practice. The approach consists of a repeated number of simulations with a 2D heat, air and vapour transfer model to predict the variation in roof moisture performance due to various discontinuities in roof geometry. The set of discontinuities is calibrated by comparing measuring data of roof airtightness to simulation results.

The fine filter (EU7) was included in the ventilation system which operated at full capacity only during working days. The first three months the filter was located in the ventilation system of the office building and it was later moved for one month period into the laboratory chamber. The aim of the study was to investigate whether particles or microbes are released from the filter during the turn off and start up of the fan. The released particle (size range of 0.3 m) concentration was below 10 #/dm 3 in normal field conditions.

Swedish dwellings often have mechanical ventilation with an almost constant air flow independent of variations in loads. The performance of these ventilation systems is often not satisfying. The occupant habits have changed e.g. increased moisture load. Therefore a technical procurement for energy efficient demand controlled ventilation systems was initiated. First the building regulations were analysed, then the parameters relevant for indoor air quality in dwellings and the energy efficiency potential were determined.

The White Paper on renewable Energy states that the total energy requirements in thedomestic sector could be reduced by 50% in EU until the year 2010, half of which could be accounts for by introducing passive and active solar technologies in buildings. A project has been undertaken with the aim to study and propose global strategies, tools and guidelines that will promote the efficient and cost effective global implementation of advanced systems and techniques in the refurbishment of existing settlements in Europe.

The historical headquarter of Italian Ministero degli Esteri (Ministry of External Affairs) in Rome named as "Palazzo della Farnesina" is a very large (about 700.000 m 3 of volume) and complex multi-functional building.The objective of present study, commissioned by Ministry of Environment, is to evaluate different energy saving strategies in this building achievable by the implementation of retrofit actions. At first, the seasonal energy consumption obtained by the existing cooling and heating systems has been estimated.

This paper outlines the Europrosper project whose objectives are to :1. Consolidate and where appropriate harmonise methodologies for energy certification of existing office buildings across 6 European countries whilst allowing customisation in each country to accomodate existing techniques and national contexts2. Develop training courses to instruct practitioners on how to use the certification methods, to include self-certification procedures3. Conduct a demonstration phase and4.

Winner of First Prize in the 2 nd Commonwealth Inter-school Design Competition organised by theCommonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), 1991. The winning design was a pair of houses with wind towers. It was praised by the jury as an innovative and original solution to the brief recognising local conditions, elegantly and thoughtfully presented. The planning of the dwelling pleasantly reflected the local lifestyle with an interesting internal environment.

The transformation of the Conservatorio San Giuseppe , into the Cospicua Residential Home for the Elderly has become a landmark in the neighbourhood. It brings past and present together with its old church and stepped new development incorporating a colourful orange windbreak. It is an example of how an old building, originally an orphanage for girls, with limitations of location and orientation could be rehabilitated to incorporate energy efficient features. Both the original structure and the new construction are load bearing with a high thermal mass to utilise a direct gain system.