A physical model for the assessment of indoor environmental quality in buildings

Reducing energy consumption while providing the required air-change rate is one of the main scopes in the design of energy-efficient buildings, among which the superinsulated nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). However, high airtightness and other features (e.g., vapor barrier) may yield mold formation and hinder the removal of air pollutants, thus compromising indoor air quality. Understanding and managing these mechanisms can promote a healthier and more sustainable living and working environment. The conducted study is focused on devising and developing a predictive methodology for the evaluation of indoor air quality in compartments endowed with mechanical ventilation, with specific emphasis on risk factors for mold. A storage area located in a residential building served as a representative scenario, where significant environmental quantities (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and radon concentration) were monitored over a one-year timeframe. The proposed model successfully highlights the most critical conditions within actual buildings.