Indoor Environment Quality - Measures for Healthy Assured Returns

Abstract

Indoor Environment Quality is a very important parameter to be considered for making a building more efficient. People spend 2/3^rd of their lives at home, where the quality of indoor environment has a significant impact on the health and well-being of the occupants. Indoor contaminants such as dust mines, cockroaches, pet dander, smoke and some chemicals can trigger asthma attacks. A building should be designed such that the regularly occupied areas have access to sunlight, natural ventilation, cross ventilation. Many materials used in the constructions and interior fit-outs contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) which poses serious health risks to building occupants. However, many alternative low/ zero VOC products are available in the market. Such materials include paints, polish coatings, wood and glass sealants, adhesives for plywood, laminate and veneer applications. So, by optimizing the need, implanting measures and improving the environment, one can achieve more efficiency in any building.