Pythagoras: An innovative training package on Indoor Environment Quality

The aim of the Pythagoras project was the development of an innovative national training material in the sector of indoor environmental quality.The need for education in this specific sector is dictatedby the significant indoor environment deterioration and associated health hazards as these become evident through a series of studies and measurements carried out by the research team. Given the fact that the use of air conditioning systems in the country is rising exponentiallywhile the general knowledge around the importanceof good design, installation and maintenance of these systems is scarce, the indoor environment is expected to continue to deteriorate, forming a major problem for the public health. For this reason, building architects, designers, constructors, technicians, owners and users should be educated on how to design, functionand maintain healthy buildings.Early in the project, a review was undertaken of the international literature and the syllabuses of foreign research and educational institutions active in indoor environment quality issues. At the same time, the requirementsof the Greek educational and broader society,related to issues of indoor pollution and health, were determined. A training methodology is consequently developed, with the objective to optimally cover all the parameters associated with the indoor environment quality, for trainees of various disciplines.The training material is produced both in printed (book) and integrated electronic (e-learning) format. Additionally,four seminars have been organized covering the respective sections of the training package. The training package has been assessed both by trainees and internationalexperts in the sector of indoor environment quality.