Occupant Interactions and Effectiveness of Natural Ventilation Strategies in Contemporary New Housing in Scotland, UK.

The need to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty has led to increased building envelope air tightness, intended to reduce uncontrolled ventilation heat losses. Ventilation strategies in dwellings still allow the use of trickle ventilators in window frames for background ventilation. The extent to which this results in "healthy" Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in recently constructed dwellings was a concern of regulators in Scotland. This paper describes research to explore this. First a review of literature was conducted, then data on occupant interactions with ventilation provisions (windows, doors, trickle vents) gathered through an interview-based survey of 200 recently constructed dwellings, and measurements made on a sample of 40 of these. The main measured parameter discussed here is CO2 concentration. It was concluded after the literature review that 1000 ppm absolute was a reasonable threshold to use for "adequate" ventilation. The occupant survey found that there was very little occupant interaction with the trickle ventilators e.g., in bedrooms 63% were always closed, 28% always open, and in only 9% of cases occupants intervened to make occasional adjustments. In the measured dwellings average bedroom CO2 levels of 1520 ppm during occupied (night time) hours were observed. Where windows were open the average bedroom CO2 levels were 972 ppm. With windows closed, the combination of "trickle ventilators open plus doors open" gave an average of 1021 ppm. "Trickle ventilators open" gave an average of 1571 ppm. All other combinations gave averages of 1550 to 2000 ppm. Ventilation rates and air change rates were estimated from measured CO2 levels, for all dwellings calculated ventilation rate was less than 8 L/s/p, in 42% of cases calculated air change rate was less than 0.5 ach. It was concluded that trickle ventilation as installed and used is ineffective in meeting desired ventilation rates, evidenced by high CO2 levels reported across the sampled dwellings. Potential implications of the results are discussed.

1. Introduction

The need to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from housing [1] has driven revisions of the Building Regulations in the UK [2,3]. As transmission heat losses were decreased, the relative importance of intended and unintended ventilation losses increased. To address unintended ventilation losses more demanding requirements for building envelope air tightness have been introduced, the impact of which has been characterised by various researchers, notably BRE [4,5,6] and Leeds Metropolitan University [7,8]. These researchers reported increasing air tightness for more recent dwellings as measured by blower door tests: for example pre-2002 stock had a mean value of 12 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa and range from 2 to 22 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa; post-2002 had a mean and range of 10 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa and 4 to 14 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa; and post 2006 has a mean and range of 6 and 1 to 12 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa. A mean measured value of 4 m2/m3·h @ 50 Pa was associated with the post-2009 dwellings monitored in this work (Section 4).

There are emerging concerns that ventilation and IAQ is declining to levels that could negatively impact on the health of the occupants [9,10]. Regulations in Scotland continue to allow natural ventilation provision through trickle ventilators set into window frames to provide adequate background air changes with only intermittent mechanical ventilation in wet rooms for moisture and odour control. The Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations [11] set an upper limit for air tightness of 10 m2/m3.h @ 50 Pa with higher than prescribed standards being routinely achieved [12].

Although research commissioned by the Building Standards Directorate (BSD) in 2012 indicated that trickle ventilators could provide acceptable levels of ventilation [13] the work assumed that trickle ventilators and internal doors were all kept open, and did not consider practical factors such as the obstruction of trickle ventilators by blinds and curtains etc. Subsequent research conducted on contemporary housing in Scotland suggested that these findings do not reflect real world conditions [14] in which occupants’ behaviour towards window and trickle ventilation is uncertain, and privacy, security, external noise, fire regulations in flats, may mean that trickle vents and internal doors remain closed.

Recognising that the reality of the current situation in recently constructed dwellings was uncertain, the Scottish Building Standards organisation commissioned research to investigate. This research was to include a review of literature, gathering of data on how occupants are interacting with ventilation provisions (windows, doors, trickle vents) across 200 dwellings, and measurements of IAQ in a sample of 40 of these. Some highlights from this research are documented in this paper.

1.1. Previous studies: CO2, Ventilation and Health

Many previous studies use CO2 levels as a proxy for ventilation rates and an indicator of IAQ. Humans are the primary source of CO2 in the indoor environment [15,16] and are also a source of heat, moisture, smells and other bio-emissions which can influence perceived IAQ. Levels of CO2 have long been used as a basis for ventilation design and control [17] as high levels are a good surrogate for human emitted bio-effluents (i.e., odours) that are considered undesirable. The concentration levels of CO2 depend on the number of occupants in a given area, their activity level, and the rate at which the local air is diluted and replaced by fresh air (ventilation rate).

There is a general acceptance that CO2 can keep “bad company” and that absolute levels above 1000 ppm (>500–600 above ambient) are indicative of poor ventilation rates as originally identified by Pettenkoffer [18]. The provenance of this is well evidenced [19] and corresponds in standard situations with the generally recommended ventilation rate of 8 L/s per person [20]. Associations between health and CO2 levels have been found in office buildings [21,22] and a study by Batterman and Peng [23] identified associations between CO2 levels and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs).

Both the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommendations for ventilation rates are based on or around 1000 ppm and 8 L/s/person (circa 30 m3/h/person) [24,25,26]. CO2 threshold levels of 1000 ppm in communal areas such as offices and schools have been set as indicators of sufficient per person ventilation rates [27].

Although less research has been undertaken in housing, a meta-analysis carried out by Wargoki identified associations between CO2 levels and health and concluded “The ventilation rates above 0.4 h or CO.” [28]. The latest guidance from ASHRAE member organisations supports the translation of the 1000 ppm limits to housing both for living areas and for master bedrooms [29].

CO2 does not have the same relationship with pollutants from non-human sources that it does with human emissions. Off-gassing from building materials, furnishings, cooking, cleaning and electrical products may be independent of occupancy [30] e.g., Offermann found low CO2 levels in conjunction with dangerously high levels of formaldehydes [31]. However where there are low ventilation rates there are relatively higher pollutant concentrations from both human and non-human sources, and so using CO2 as a proxy for ventilation rate in situations where occupancy is known is a justifiable approach. A recent study by Ramalho et al [32] found that CO2 was positively and significantly associated with a range of pollutants, but concluded that even with good ventilation conditions the control of pollutant sources remains necessary. A study in Korea [33] reported that increases of indoor CO2 concentrations as low as 564 ppm above external levels were associated with wheezing attacks in children with a history of asthma.

The conclusion from this review was that CO2 could be used as an indicator of ventilation rate in situations where occupancy is known, and that the generally accepted desirable maximum absolute CO2 level in occupied spaces is 1000 ppm.

1.2. IAQ and Ventilation in Building Regulations, and Associated Studies

The building regulations in the UK are geared to prescriptive measures to ensure “adequate ventilation” but there are currently no mandatory standards covering IAQ with respect to specific CO2 levels or toxic pollutants. Harrison [34] has reviewed the guideline values now emerging in Canada, Finland, Germany and Norway; and Yoshino et al. [35] reviewed minimum ventilation rates in fifteen developed countries. Finnish Building regulations have specific requirements for IAQ, setting maximum absolute CO2 levels at 1200 ppm, along with maximum permissible levels for other pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulates, lead, carbon monoxide and benzene [36]. Germany and Switzerland set a maximum absolute CO2 level of 1500 ppm, Germany DIN 1946 Part 6 requires 30 m3/h for 2 person flats.

Some studies have been carried out to investigate IAQ in modern energy efficient buildings with natural ventilation strategies, with and without intermittent extract fans. A study by Offerman in California investigated window and ventilation use and reported very low air change rates (average 0.26 ach) with 67% of homes non-compliant with local building codes. In the UK, three Government funded studies carried out by BRE in 2001 [37], 2002 [38] and 2005 [39] found high levels of VOCs with the third study reporting average winter ventilation rates of 0.44 ach. These studies also highlighted that flats were less well ventilated than other house types and that occupant interaction with trickle ventilators was erratic, with only four out of 37 cases where they were maintained in the open position, with 13/37 being permanently closed. Homes with the lowest ventilation rates in winter had the trickle ventilators fully closed. A more recent study [40] monitored 22 dwellings in England found installed trickle ventilator opening areas were less than specified. The study highlighted particular problems in flats-where there is usually less opportunity for cross-flow or displacement ventilation-with acceptable IAQ resulting only where good specification and installation practices were evident and occupants ensured vents were habitually in the open position.

The above summarises only a subset of available literature but serves to illustrate that absolute CO2 levels and ventilation rates are beginning to emerge in building regulations, and highlights a range of previous studies into how occupants interact with ventilation components, and how indoor air quaility was measured, these points served to inform the current study.

2. Methods

The research was targeted at winter time conditions when low exterior temperatures, high rainfall, high occupancy, and reduced ventilation rates, would provide a worst case situation. Both the occupant interaction survey of 200 dwellings to establish understanding and use of ventilation equipment, and the 40 dwelling monitoring survey were conducted between January and March 2014.

The research specifically targeted dwellings which had been specified and built to have the most common “natural ventilation” option as allowed by the regulations, as stated earlier this “natural ventilation” option requires trickle ventilators in window frames as the main mechanism for background ventilation in all rooms but also includes intermittent extract fans in wet rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms. The research excluded properties with continuous whole house mechanical ventilation systems such as Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) or decentralised mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV).

2.1. Occupant Interaction Survey

The first phase of the physical research was to investigate occupant interaction with natural ventilation equipment and this was achieved through a survey conducted by short scripted interview of occupants of 200 newly built homes in Scotland, all constructed to post-2009 regulations.

The survey was carried out at the targeted dwellings and was designed to determine the occupants understanding and use of ventilation equipment. A social survey company with experience of dealing with tenants and occupiers of housing was engaged to carry out the survey. The survey covered the understanding and use of trickle ventilators, window openings, curtains and blinds, and doors in both living areas and bedrooms, there were also further questions on understanding and use of intermittent extract fans. The survey was supplemented with pictures, e.g., showing trickle ventilators etc. the interview covered each element of ventilation equipment in turn. For trickle ventilators the occupants were first asked if they were aware they had trickle ventilators, then shown photographs to confirm understanding, they were then asked to confirm the normal position of the trickle vents in their living rooms and bedrooms for various periods of the day and when these rooms were occupied and unoccupied, how often they adjusted the trickle vents, what motivated or prevented their adjustments and settings, and whether and to what extent the ventilators were occluded by blinds, curtains or other window dressings. Similar questions supported by photographs were asked of window openings and door openings to ascertain the behaviours with regard to these ventilation elements, the window and door opening extent was also assessed. Behaviour regarding the use of window coverings such as curtains and blinds was gathered.

In addition to specific information regarding use of ventilation equipment, supplementary questions were asked such as: have you received advice on using trickle ventilation? Have you received advice on ventilating your dwelling? How do you feel about the air quality in your dwelling?

The occupant interaction survey process also asked the occupants if they would be willing to have some measurements made in their dwelling as part of the research project.

2.2. Monitoring of Sample Buildings

From those identified as willing to participate in monitoring, a sub-set of 40 houses were identified, representative of the overall population, for a 48hr monitoring study to capture a snapshot of indoor environmental conditions. Measurements were made of temperature, relative humidity (Gemini Tinytag TGU 4500: (−25 to +85 °C/0 to 95% RH)) and CO2 (Gemini Tinytag TGE-0011: 0–5000 ppm (−25 to +85 °C/0 to 95% RH) all at 5-min intervals, in both the main living room and the main bedroom. Equipment deployment for these measurements involved a short visit, during this visit the initial interaction survey results were confirmed or updated and additional data and pictorial information was gathered including: house type; sensor locations; room dimensions; room occupancy; orientation and position of windows, trickle vents, doors; occlusion to trickle vents; door undercut size; and possibility of cross ventilation. The size and position of the trickle ventilators, and open/closed extent was recorded and occupants were asked to maintain their trickle ventilator in this position to avoid the Hawthorne effect [41]. The 48-h period was considered sufficient to give a snapshot of ventilation performance in a period where behavior such as occupancy and ventilation equipment settings could be more certain than during a longer measurement period.

3. Occupant Interaction with Ventilation Equipment

How occupants responded to questions on use of the trickle ventilators in the bedrooms and living rooms gave a consistent picture, in the majority of cases trickle ventilators were stated to be closed and never opened, in living rooms (63%), and bedrooms (63%). A minority have trickle ventilators always open and never closed in living rooms (24%) and bedrooms (28%). The smallest group were found to adjust them weekly, in living rooms (13%) and bedrooms (9%). No respondents reported that they altered trickle ventilator settings on a daily basis. The vast majority of respondents reported that they never adjusted their trickle ventilators.

Reasons for not interacting with trickle ventilators are summarized in Figure 1. The largest response was from occupants who reported that they “don’t feel the need to open vents” (41%). This is backed up by responses to questions about perceived air quality where 92% of respondents described air quality in the bedroom as “good” or “very good”. Other selected reasons for not interacting with trickle ventilators were lack of knowledge/awareness (16%, 16%, total 32%), that they cause draughts (24%), it is easier to open a window (7.5%), and increased heating bills (7.5%).

Figure 1

Barriers to trickle ventilators use, living rooms and bedrooms.

Responses to questions about window opening were more diverse than for trickle ventilators. Some responded that they never opened windows, in living rooms (22%) and bedrooms (16%). Most reported opening windows a few times a week (33%, 34% for living rooms and bedrooms respectively). Others reported opening once or more per day (30%, 32% respectively). This occasional window opening is somewhat consistent with the assumption in regulations that windows are for “purge” ventilation in that the majority of occupants reporting window opening events at least a few times per week (63%, 66%). An additional 12% reported living room windows were always open and 19% that bedroom windows were always open.

Occupant responses on the drivers for a window opening event are summarized in Figure 2. “Too warm” was identified by many occupants as a situation that would motivate a window opening event (75% living rooms, 72% bedrooms), other motivations included moisture control, smells, clothes drying, and a desire for fresh air. Barriers that would act to inhibit window opening were reported as “heat loss” (59%), noise (17%), security (11%) and pollution (5%).

Figure 2

Drivers for window opening, living rooms and bedrooms.

Responses to questions on door opening and curtain and blind usage provided more insight for bedrooms due to their simpler geometry and use patterns than living rooms (open plan, multiple internal and external doors, complex user patterns). It was reported that bedroom doors were fully closed in 40% of cases, open a little in 44% of cases and fully open in 16% of cases. Bedroom blinds and/or curtains were mostly closed when sleeping (88%).

82% of the respondents stated they had not received advice on how to best ventilate their house. Of the 18% who stated they received advice 40% of them stated that the advice had been to leave trickle ventilators open.

4. IAQ Measurements for Sample Dwellings

The monitoring was undertaken at seven geographical locations across Scotland. Dwelling types were a mixture of flats (62%), two storey houses (34%) and single storey houses (4%). All properties had at least two windowed elevations allowing the possibility of cross ventilation from front to back (62%) or front to side (38%) assuming internal doors and windows or vents are open. Construction types were a mixture of timber frame, masonry and steel frame, all incorporating intermittent mechanical ventilation to bathrooms and kitchens, and with trickle ventilators positioned in window frames of every room. The trickle ventilators were generally located 2 m above floor level in the upper element of the window frame. The monitored dwellings were selected based on the willingness of participants and also to cover the range of conditions identified in the earlier occupant survey.

These specific post-2009 dwellings had not had their air-tightness tested however similar dwellings within the same developments had been tested and data submitted as part of the regulatory process with an average measured air-tightness of 4.0 m3/hr/m2 @ 50 Pa. Weather data including average wind speeds was recorded e.g., average overnight wind speed during the measurements was 3.3 m/s with a standard deviation of 1.02 m/s. Average temperature was 7.6 °C with a standard deviation of 2.4 °C.

While temperature, humidity and CO2 concentrations were measured for both living rooms and bedrooms (Figure 3), focus here is on CO2 levels in bedrooms. CO2 levels are a proxy for ventilation rates when occupancy is known, and bedrooms due to their simpler circumstances (geometry, user patterns, occupancy etc.) support clarity of insight, allowing ventilation strategies to be compared.

Figure 3

(a) Temperature, Relative Humidity and CO2 levels living room (b) Temperature, Relative Humidity and CO2 levels bedroom.

For the measured dwellings: 77% of dwellings kept bedroom windows closed at night, 55% kept bedroom doors closed at night and 53% had both windows and doors closed. A total of 64% had bedroom trickle ventilators closed at night. All the dwellings had some form of occlusion to the trickle ventilators at night, in the form of curtains and/or blinds. All bedrooms monitored were classified as double bedrooms with an average floor area of 12 m2 and an average volume of 28.6 m3. The number of occupants ranged from a single person up to a maximum of six people where occupancy greater than two was due to children. Three occupancy categories considered were one person (40% of cases); two persons (47%); three + persons (10%).

4.1. Measured Bedroom CO2 Levels

Much detailed information was gathered. Two metrics in particular are used here to illustrate the main findings: (i) the average bedroom CO2 levels during the period 11 pm to 7 am (11–7); and (ii) the percentage of time during the 11 pm to 7 am period that CO2 concentration exceeds 1000 ppm.

The overall average of the average 11–7 bedroom CO2 levels for all dwellings with complete data (n = 39) was 1520 ppm as shown in Figure 4. With open windows (n = 11) the overall average CO2 is 972 ppm, with windows closed (n = 28) it is 1752 ppm. With windows closed and open trickle ventilators CO2 levels were to 1571 ppm compared with vents closed at 1847 ppm but the overall impact of trickle ventilator position appears relatively small compared to window position.

Figure 4

Bedroom CO2 ppm time weighted average 11 pm–7 am.

Further breakdown of the results for different door and trickle ventilator settings when bedroom windows are closed is shown in Figure 5. In closed window bedrooms with both door and trickle ventilators closed the average 11–7 measured absolute CO2 values were 1998 ppm. In closed window bedrooms with either doors OR trickle ventilators open values were 1553 ppm and 1571 ppm respectively. In closed window bedrooms with both doors AND trickle ventilators open average measured values were 1021 ppm. Some caution needs to be expressed here due to low sample size (n = 3) however it appears that the combined effect of trickle ventilation PLUS door opening is much greater than either measure on its own, potentially pointing to enhanced ventilation rates with more than one ventilation opening per room, an avenue for more study. The average door undercut was recorded was 10 mm, with a third of bedrooms having no door undercut.

Figure 5

Bedrooms with windows closed-average CO2 ppm, time weighted average between 11 pm and 7 am.

These comparisons of averages serve to illustrate the findings for the different ventilation equipment settings but the 11 pm –7 am averages across all properties do not capture the property to property variations or the variation in measured CO2 levels within the 11 pm–7 am periods. Figure 6 is an attempt to illustrate these details and shows for each monitored dwelling the percentage of time between 11 pm and 7 am that individual bedrooms measured absolute CO2 is in excess of 1000 ppm. The dwellings are grouped by category: with and without windows open, with and without vents open, and by occupancy (Dwellings, E11, E17, E4, E2, EK1, FG4, WG2,4,9,11, E5,8,12,13, and VG3 have single occupancy, WG8, S2, E1,3 have three + occupancy, all others have two person occupancy).

Figure 6

Percentage of time bedroom CO2 levels exceed 1000 ppm between 11 pm and 7 am across all of the 40 monitored dwellings.

All properties, regardless of window position, have CO2 in excess of 1000 ppm at some point during the two night monitoring period. Where windows are left open overnight the effects on CO2 levels are obvious with these eight dwellings, showing significantly lower periods above 1000 ppm. In the sub-set where windows are permanently closed, the trickle ventilators open condition shows a small improvement in performance, but CO2 levels are over 1000 ppm for a significant portion of the overnight period. The dwellings with windows closed, vents and doors open are T5, FG1 and S2 which appear to perform better than similarly occupied dwellings where the doors are closed. The effects of occupancy are less clear.

While the sample size and the short monitoring period provide a snap-shot of the situation in Scottish dwellings to post-2009 building regulations which utilize common “natural ventilation” option with trickle ventilators in window frames and intermittent extract fans in wet rooms, the results provide a valuable insight where previously there was none. The summarized analysis here is primarily concerned with overall trends and not individual peaks, however it was noted that peak absolute CO2 concentrations of 5000 ppm were being reached in some instances.

4.2. Ventilation rates Based on CO2 Measurements

A set of simplified calculations were used to explore the relationship between CO2 levels, overall ventilation rate, and other factors such as occupancy. The term “overall ventilation” is used here to represent the sum of both intended ventilation (fresh air input through designed openings such as windows and doors) and unintended or “fortuitous” ventilation (infiltration through unintended construction leakages such as incomplete window seals etc.). These calculations required assumptions to be made where data was not measured and therefore the outputs should be viewed as illustrative rather than absolute. The calculations use the standard equation [42] shown in Equation (1) relating the overall ventilation rate, to the equilibrium indoor CO2 concentration for a given outdoor concentration:

Here Qv is the overall ventilation rate, Ev is the ventilation effectiveness (assumed to be 1 representing full mixing), Ci is the indoor equilibrium CO2 concentration, Co is the outdoor and background CO2 concentration (374 ppm used here) and G is the indoor CO2 generation rate. This indoor generation rate G is a function of the number of room occupants N, (this number of bedroom occupants was taken from survey responses) and their metabolic CO2 production rates as given in Equation (2) [43]:

M in the equation represents the metabolic rate of the occupants in the bedrooms. Metabolic rate varies with activity i.e., 40 W/m2 of body surface area when sleeping, 58 W/m2 when reading, 116 W/m2 when walking, etc. [44]. To capture the mix of non-sleep activity and the various phases of sleep activity, a metabolic rate of 60W/m2 body surface area was used. A is the average body surface area of the person (assumed to be a standard 1.8 m2 here).

These simplified calculations were used to determine the overall ventilation rate and overall ventilation rates per person from the estimated CO2 generation rate and measured CO2 equilibrium concentrations. Per person overall ventilation rates were then calculated using the occupancy. The average calculated per person overall ventilation rate was 3.1 L/s/p and the range was from 0.9 L/s/p (one person, doors, vents and windows closed) to 6 L/s/p (two persons, windows closed, door and vents open) however no dwellings appeared to achieve the commonly stated desired rate of 8 L/s/p.

Overall bedroom air change rates were then calculated from the overall ventilation rate together with the bedroom volumes recorded during the surveys. The average calculated air change rates were 0.7 ach, with 42% of properties having calculated air change rates of less than 0.5 ach, the commonly stated minimum rate required to control moisture.

The average measured night time CO2 levels in bedrooms plotted against calculated per person overall ventilation rates and bedroom overall air change rates are shown in Figure 7a,b. The strong relationship between CO2 levels and these two parameters is clearly evident. The simplified nature of these calculations, and assumptions such as the metabolic rates of individuals, occupancy, outdoor CO2 levels etc., will add some uncertainties, but in the main the governing relationships are clear and well established.

Figure 7

(a) Average bedroom CO2 level v. ventilation rate per person (b) Average bedroom CO2 level v bedroom air change rate.

5. Discussion

5.1. Adaptive Response

Although the majority of occupants are aware of the purpose of trickle ventilators, there is relatively little occupant interaction with most remaining permanently closed. Windows are the preferred method for perceived reactive ventilation provision and, in the main this appears to be as a means to control temperature and odours or moisture rather than air quality. The majority of participants did not feel the need to open trickle ventilators as they did not perceive IAQ as being problematic. Changes in air quality are relatively gradual and it is therefore difficult for occupants to perceive a progressive reduction in quality and build-up of CO2, due to human adaptation responses that accommodate and suppress reactions to prolonged stimuli. It requires most individuals to leave and re-enter a room to experience the sudden change in IAQ conditions that can trigger a reactive response such as window opening.

5.2. Bedroom Conditions

Such human responses become even more acute in the bedroom where occupants may go to bed in IAQ conditions that are reasonable, but progressively deteriorate overnight when the occupants are asleep, especially where bedroom doors are closed and trickle ventilators are either shut, due to external noise, or occluded by blinds and/or curtains. In general, good ventilation rates are not being achieved in the majority of bedrooms. Whilst window opening is a clear mitigating factor–and there are examples where open trickle ventilators in conjunction with open bedroom doors improved ventilation and slowed the rate of CO2 increase–all bedroom occupants in the study were subjected to periods where CO2 levels were significantly above 1000 ppm, with the many dwellings averaging close to twice the threshold. The closing of vents and doors will create predictable barriers to ventilation, but given that both these element are closeable, this must be considered as predictable behavior, especially when driven by self-closer mechanisms, as required by fire regulations in some flatted developments.

5.3. Ease of Use

It was observed that trickle ventilators are frequently out of immediate reach–particularly for the elderly-due to height, furniture and positioning of blinds and curtains. The placement of trickle ventilator controls differs from window handles, which are required to be in a more accessible position. There are few homes where windows do not have some form of device that can provide the occupants with both privacy and blackout conditions to assist with sleep. Although the effects of occlusion was not measured in this study it is possible that these will inhibit air movement. The fact that air has to travel in both directions (where cross ventilation is not an option) further reduces the efficacy of a trickle ventilator.

5.4. Cross Ventilation

The reliance on door opening to achieve adequate ventilation is also a cause for concern. Observations from the study suggest the number and age of occupants in the household affect door-closing habits. For example, where a young child is present doors are almost always open. The elderly also tend to keep doors open especially when challenged by mobility or health issues. Conversely, it is more likely that a teenager will seek privacy. Other factors leading to door closure include noise, concerns about fire (or in some cases self-closers) and security.

In the majority of cases door undercuts that might be intended to assist cross ventilation were ineffective, either because they had not been provided or because the installation of floor coverings frequently obstructed them, with some residents reporting having to physically shorten doors after fitting carpets; and that air movement under doors may be perceived as draughts. This indicates a lack of understanding about the potential for cross ventilation within the home.

This is further complicated by residents’ inability to determine good air quality. The questionnaire indicated that over 90% of respondents, describe the air quality in their master bedroom as very good or fairly good. This contradicts the results from the physical surveys where 83% of properties present with time weighted average CO2 concentrations (11 pm–7 am) in bedrooms greater than 1000 ppm.

5.5. Energy Use versus IAQ

The general picture emerging from this research illustrates the increasing tensions that exist between energy efficiency and IAQ, with concern about heat loss being reported as the prime reason for keeping vents and windows permanently closed. The evidence suggests that adaptive behavior due to temperature, moisture, odour or seasonal habits, leads to window opening rather than trickle ventilator use. The difficulty here is that while purge ventilation can deal with the immediate condition, occupied internal environments will begin to degrade as soon as windows are closed. The monitoring has shown worryingly high CO2 levels in bedrooms and the resulting calculated air change rates indicate likely problems with internal relative humidity producing condensation, mould growth and house dust mite colonisation and proliferation [45].

6. Conclusions

These findings support a view that adherence to the guidance for provision for natural ventilation as laid down in the Building Standards is not resulting in desirable levels of ventilation. In the main, trickle ventilators are not being used by the occupants as envisaged, but even where they are permanently open, they do not ensure sufficient background ventilation to ensure healthy IAQ.

The use of trickle ventilators does improve ventilation rates, as does internal door opening, but not to a reliable standard that would maintain CO2 levels below the recognised threshold representing reasonable IAQ. The current regulatory guidance is thus very sensitive to fortuitous effects and does not account for known variables including the occupancy level, built form and availability of cross ventilation. Ventilation rates are further reliant upon (and sensitive to) uncontrolled factors including external weather, internal door opening, and occlusion of vents by curtains and blinds. The use of window opening for purge ventilation is evident, but this does not address a need to maintain minimum background ventilation levels. Whilst adequate ventilation may be achieved by permanent overnight window opening, and it has been estimated that the energy cost of this may be as little as 2% [46], this is not a reliable or robust strategy across all house types due to external factors. A requirement to keep bedroom doors open may not be acceptable, and undercuts to doors are also not effective due to occlusion by floor coverings.

The study suggests that poor ventilation may be endemic in new build dwellings across Scotland. Given the evidence on ventilation and health identified in the literature review, there is a concern that this may have a negative impact on public health, however further research is needed to examine relationships between ventilation and health in housing.

7. Recommendations

(1) Develop and adopt a standard testing protocol that would enable an evaluation of an as-built performance standard to demonstrate that acceptable ventilation can be achieved within normal use. This will allow architects and house builders the freedom to apply a range of ventilation strategies that are likely to include, in additive or synergistic combination, cross ventilation, displacement and stack ventilation, wet zone extraction and mechanical positive pressure or balanced regimes, with or without heat recovery. A simple solution to the problem may be to simply increase internal volumes.

(2) Provide occupants with better information about ventilation in the home. This may include improved guidance at hand-over stages, but could also include use of CO2 monitors to help occupants identify when poor IAQ is being experienced to stimulate adaptive behavior beyond thermal comfort.

(3) Undertake a major longitudinal and epidemiological study to measure the potential health impacts of poor IAQ and relate this to measured levels of CO2 in buildings.