INDOOR AIR QUALITY OF FITNESS CENTRE IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Abstract

The main concern about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is the health implications to the occupants, especially for users who visit the fitness centre to stay healthy. The growing trend of air-conditioned fitness centres locating in commercial buildings is the main motivation behind this research.

The scope of this study has been limited to the dance studio and the gym (weights and studio zones) of TMP Fitness, which is located in Revenue House. This study aims to find out whether the occupancy rate and metabolic activities will affect the IAQ. In addition, investigations have been made to analyse if users require lower air temperature, higher velocity and lower humidity when they exercise. The research methodology entails literature review, survey questionnaires, interviews and experimental measurements. Survey results have been evaluated with the modified 7-point thermal sensation scale, while objective measurements have been compared against SS554: 2009.

Objective results have indicated that all the IAQ parameters except temperature, air velocity, TVOCs and CO2 levels, have met the limits of acceptability in SS554: 2009 for both time periods. The comparisons of subjective and objective data revealed that spaces catered for higher metabolism activities might not result in worse IAQ, while IAQ is correlated to the occupancy rate. This study has found that users who are exercising prefer lower air temperature but are not affected by air velocity and humidity.

Results showed that IAQ is influenced by the double volume design of the cardio zone and the additional FCUs at the weights zone. The operation of FCUs during peak period reduces the energy consumption for the ACMV systems, as the FCUs are able to aid the centralised system to handle the higher loads during peak period. In addition, the recent A&A works did not impact the IAQ as low-emission building materials are used and the ACMV operates daily.