Some global recommendations are given for the design of healthy office buildings and assembly halls. New research highlights the importance of controlling the enthalpy of indoor air at a moderate level, i.e., by controlling air temperature and relative humidity at a rather low level, still compatible with thermal comfort. A decrement of air temperature or humidity improves the perceived air quality and may decrease the required ventilation rate. A moderate air temperature and humidity plus individual control by radiation and conduction are recommended in order to decrease complaints caused by individual differences. The building should be acknowledged as a source of pollution, and this source should be minimized during design by the selection of proper building materials and HVAC components. Careful design of air distribution in a space is important for decreasing the risk of draft, which is particularly high at low air temperatures.

Paper from IAQ 1997 -- Design, Construction, and Operation of Healthy Buildings: Solutions to Global and Regional Concerns

Units: Dual