Reviews factors affecting indoor air quality, including the effect of mildew, high concentrations of microorganisms, radon, light air ions and chemical pollutants(especially formaldehyde). These are mentioned especially inconjunction with airtight residential buildings in Sweden. Current building standards in Sweden concerning materials, airtightness, air quality and energy conservation are also reviewed, along with areas of current and proposed research in air quality.

An effective way of reducing the transmission flows through windows during the heating season is to use the air extracted from the room to ventilate the air space between the glazings. The heat transmission coefficient of a ventilated window is between two thirds and one third of that of an unventilated window, and the infiltration heat loss is less. Proposes analytical dependencies and graphs for the determination of the heat transfer coefficient and the temperatures of the panes as a function of the window construction and the heat transfer intensity.

Points of view from Norwegian Building Research Institute resulting from nationwide investigation into building airtightness. Notes significance of airtightness conditions in apartments and single family dwellings.

Describes current projects for developing rational methods and systems for energy inspections in existing buildings, which is currently lacking. In future, these accurate functional measurements will contribute to more accurate assessments even in the case of simpler visual inspections. Theresults of the investigations will be collated in a data base which will laterform the basis of an applied energy inspection system.

The `Swedish Attic' has the ceiling to the upper floor self-supporting with a rafter roof supported by posts which rest on the upper ceiling. The system is commonly used in one and a half storey houses in which the upper floor is restricted to the area enclosed by the posts.< This study has been performed at the Royal College of Technology in Stockholm using a climate-simulator. It shows that the attic must be ventilated with continuous slots at the eaves and along the ridge.

Measurements were undertaken of basic indoor air pollution in the childrens' room in 39 occupied flats, built within the past 20 years, and in seven newly-built one-family houses ready for occupation. 

Notes that as houses become tighter, adventitious ventilation decreases. Discusses attitudes to varying degrees of tightness. Explains introduction of the supply exhaust system which comprises air supply, air exhaust and heat recovery. Notes requirements for economic use of the system and relates installation costs to potential savings. Tabulates systems currently available in Sweden(December 1980)noting maximum air flow, position of heat exchanger and other factors.

Reviews different lightweight structures' abilities to store heat. Shows a cutaway drawing of a single-family dwelling illustrating how stored heat is distributed. Relates heat storage capacity to structural density. Notes the importance of air distribution in attaining efficient heating.

This research report explores the possibilities for energy saving in municipal office buildings. It is based on a study carried out for one London borough in mid-1980`s taking one specific building complex, comprising two adjoining buildings, as an example. The energy-saving measures covered include reduction of air-change rates by draught- proofing windows doors and skylights, and the report indicates the scale of potential savings along with the capital costs.