INDOOR ENVIRONMENT QUALITY AND OCCUPANT RESPONSES OF AN OFFICE SPACE IN A NON-GREEN MARK CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This research project aims at studying the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of a non-green mark certified office space located in an old commercial building and the impact it has on the occupants. It is postulated that green mark certification is not necessary for achieving satisfactory IEQ.

The study was done by taking objective and spot measurements from five different selected indoor sampling locations twice on a weekday, in the morning and afternoon.

These objective parameters measured include carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC), Formaldehyde (HCHO), particulate matter, biological contaminants, temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, air exchange efficiency, air change rate per hour, light and acoustic. These parameters are then compared against the acceptable threshold limits in accordance to the Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality for Air-Conditioned buildings under SS554:2009, Code of Practice for Air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation for buildings under SS553:2009 and Code of Practice of light for work place under SS531:2009.

There was also a subjective measurement carried out on the occupants to identify the effects of the above stated objective parameter through conducting a questionnaire.

The findings were mostly within the acceptable limits of threshold except for a few IEQ parameters. Overall, the office space had a satisfactory IEQ based on objective results.