Environmental Issue & Sick Building Syndrome Blog

The following article recognizes that the emphasis on energy savings without factoring healthy indoor air is a health problem. There are many days that my work is dealing with homes and businesses that were make too tight in the name of energy savings. Many of those times the savings on energy were spent on additional health care costs from too tight construction



Data from Danish window and rooflight manufacturer, Velux, suggests people living in damp or mouldy homes were 40 percent more likely to suffer from asthma. (Photo: bartb_pt)

By JENNIFER CORNICK

BRUSSELS, 5. OCT, 18:19

MEPs will debate amendments to new EU building regulations next week (11 October), which could see indoor air quality become a mandatory criteria for the first time - a boon for workers and residents.

The plans come as part of a larger rethink on future building standards in the wake of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and are intended as part of improving the overall energy performance of the built environment.

And they come after several pieces of recent research showing the potential health and economic costs to EU citizens of poorly-ventilated or damp homes and workplaces.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned in a report this month that healthier homes and workplaces could prevent around 1 million deaths, globally, a year, and explicitly singled out indoor air quality as a factor.

The WHO said "globally, 29 percent of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) deaths are attributable to household air pollution, 8 percent ambient and 11 percent in workplaces."

Data from Danish window and rooflight manufacturer Velux, in their Health Homes Barometer report, also suggests people living in damp or mouldy homes were 40 percent more likely to suffer from asthma.

And according to current healthcare spending reports by Fraunhofer, a German research organisation, it costs the EU €82 billion euros annually to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.

Crunch time at Parliament committee

Under the microscope next week in the European Parliament are amendments to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). A series of proposed amendments to the EPBD will be going before the committee on industry, research, and energy (ITRE) on 11 October.

The proposed policy changes are intended to ensure all EU citizens will have access to the best indoor air quality and seeks to set high minimum standards at the member state level, along with ambitious renovation strategies.

"My main point is to ensure our buildings are helping to keep us healthy", says Anneli Jaatteenmaki, a Finnish MEP, former prime minister and member of the environment committee.

With most people spending some 90 percent of their time indoors, the stakes could hardly be higher - both for tenants, home owners, office workers, and the construction and renovation sectors.

"Energy efficiency and indoor air quality must go hand in hand. The consequences poor indoor air quality has on Europeans' health and quality of life, as well as on our economies, cannot be underestimated," according to Roberta Savli, director of strategy and policy at the European Federation of Allergies and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations (EFA).

"Europeans have the right to breathe clean and safe air everywhere," she said and adds, "the European Parliament has the opportunity to introduce an indoor air quality certificate to protect us."

Interchanging air

But potential conflicts between the energy efficiency measures and proposed indoor air quality standards are already becoming apparent. Attempts to increase the energy efficiency of buildings generally mean "we are not opening windows; we are interchanging incoming and outgoing air" according to Jaromir Kohlicek, a Czech MEP and vice-chair of the ITRE committee.

Whilst not necessarily disagreeing, the construction industry is keen to point to the problem with maintaining and repairing existing air systems in the current building stock.

Eugenio Quintieri, secretary general of the European Builders Confederation (EBC) stresses "we need a European legislative framework able to ensure heating and air-conditioning systems are not only functioning safely, but remain in good repair, because they have a huge influence on indoor air quality".

The general feeling towards the legislation amongst special interest groups and politicians is positive.

Adrian Joyce, secretary general of the European Alliance of Companies for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (EuroACE), admits that to "live up to the Paris Accords we have to change."

He points out that buildings consume 40 percent of all energy and produce 36 percent of carbon dioxide emissions and 70 percent of all buildings were constructed before there were energy regulations.

The amendments must set a "strong vision for the building stock for 2050", but he highlighted the "need to strengthen renovation strategies at the member state level".

Achieving the balance between a high level legislative framework and member state commitment for ambitious renovation strategies and action plans will be essential to see significant progress on the issue.

The amendments sets a framework that, "defines responsibilities and allows member states to create their path to the overall 2050 goal," according to EuroACE, "this is positive for the member states". "If these amendments are adopted it means we will see much lower energy demand and much lower carbon dioxide emissions from buildings by 2050."

"What we hope to establish is good practice concepts", Kohlicek states, for renovating and preserving the current building stock and for new builds.

Heat or eat

Affordability will continue to be an issue. Financial support packages at the EU and member state level must be encouraged, according to Jaatteenmaki.

Kohlicek said that the intent of the changes, with respect to energy poverty and health outcomes, were such that "the declaration is quite clear, we must help the impoverished".

"When you are living in better homes the heating costs are lower," Kohlicek said.

Properly renovated and insulated buildings lose less heat and use less energy overall, meaning fewer decisions about 'whether to heat or eat'. "We hope with these directives, we can push the entrepreneurs who own these buildings to fix the issues," he comments.

Velux, the major Danish window and rooflight manufacturer, has pointed out that individuals living in more affluent European countries are able to afford staged projects over several years whereas those living in the central Eastern European region are in the opposite situation. Twice as many people experience poor health when they are not able to adequately heat their homes, according to Velux.

"Policy with a long view"

But Kohlicek offers a word of caution, stating "the direct impact of indoor air quality will not be readily apparent". It could take as long as ten years to see a statistical change, he warns, as these directives are for new buildings and future renovations. "This is a policy with a long view".

Accumulation of biological pollutants can result in hazardous health effects for occupants, as well as structural damage to the building.

They say ignorance is bliss. But today, with mounting evidence showing the harmful health effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ), consumers and businesses alike are making considerable changes to reduce their carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each year, more than 7 million people across the globe die because of exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution. Of those 7 million premature deaths, 3.8 million are caused by exposure to indoor air pollution.

In the 1970s, rising home energy costs led to tighter building construction. To obtain these airtight designs, builders used newly designed windows and doors, sealing caulks and other insulating materials to create better energy efficiency. The resulting benefit was fewer drafts and therefore, smaller heating and air-conditioning costs. However, a new problem emerged: the extra pollutants retained in airtight buildings showed to be hazardous to occupants due to the buildup of pollutants and uncirculated stale air.¹

Today, the need for mechanical ventilation, allowing even the most tightly built home to "breathe" in fresh air and exhale any pollutants in a controlled and monitored way, while still maximizing energy efficiency, is at the forefront of modern building science discussions. As building codes require tighter, more energy-efficient homes, third-party certification programs like EPA's ENERGY STAR® enable and encourage builders to have a profound impact on the comfort and safety of residents (by improving IAQ), as well as the cost of construction and the cost of operating the home.

Mechanical Ventilation 
Think of mechanical ventilation as the lungs of the home. Without air systematically supporting the body with oxygen and exhausting the carbon monoxide, the human body would not function in a healthy manner. The same is true for ventilation in the home. As an industry, we have an obligation to consider home health and IAQ as a primary driver in any home ventilation plan. While exterior pollutants such as smog and carbon monoxide may receive more attention, IAQ within a home can have serious effects on our physical and mental health, as well. Unsettling as it may sound, your home could actually be making you sick, leaving builders and manufacturers vulnerable to damaging and costly reputational harm and possible litigation. Here are common unresolved issues that lead to IAQ problems and "sick homes."

• Toxic molds. Biological pollutants, including mold, mildew, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, viruses, and bacteria, are found in all homes. In fact, 28 percent of American homes rated as unhealthy report problems with mold, mildew, and/or rot. Accumulation of these biological pollutants can result in hazardous health effects for occupants, as well as structural damage to the building.
• Formaldehyde. Many airtight homes are built or remodeled using synthetic building materials that may release harmful chemicals into the air. These harmful gasses are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), carbon-based compounds that easily evaporate. Formaldehyde and other types of gases can also be released from building materials, carpets, furniture, and many other household items as part of aging, decomposition, or curing, all of which are natural processes known as off-gassing; 98 percent of new homes have indoor formaldehyde levels ranging from 4ppb (parts per billion) to 120 ppb, with a median of 29 ppb for the first 2-5 years.
• Carbon monoxide. Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell the toxic fumes, CO can cause harmful effects before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. (Source: EPA)

Strategies for Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation 
A building's envelope is the foundation for a successful ventilation strategy. A tight enclosure that minimizes moisture and air leakage lays the groundwork for a good ventilation system and also provides better energy performance overall. This creates a healthy, durable, energy-conscious space. All energy-efficient homes—new and existing—require mechanical ventilation to maintain good IAQ. For mechanical whole-house ventilation, there are four basic systems.

• Exhaust ventilation. Exhaust ventilation removes pollutants at the source. An inexpensive and simple approach to ventilating a home, exhaust-only ventilation works by forcing air out of the home to depressurize the interior and gain make-up air through passive vents. Because this ventilation system only actively exhausts air, it is not recommended in hot or humid climates. Since any make-up air is gained passively, that air may be very humid, contain pollutants, or be too cold, leading to energy penalties for the home. Powerful exhaust systems, such as commercial-capacity range hoods, should be used cautiously with combustion appliances, as they can cause back drafting. (Source: Panasonic Ventilation²)
• Supply ventilation. Supply ventilation, another simple and inexpensive approach, uses a fan to pressurize a home, actively bringing outdoor air inside while squeezing out indoor air. Supply systems offer better control over pollutants in incoming air, as they only obtain outdoor air through specified vents. Pressurizing the house more readily forces out combustion gases and other pollutants. However, supply systems struggle with conditioning or removing moisture from incoming air, and can raise heating or cooling costs.
• Balanced ventilation. Balanced ventilation works by both actively exhausting polluted indoor air and actively drawing in fresh, outdoor air in a balanced, controlled ratio. Because the system uses more fans and ducts than either the supply or exhaust approaches, it is more costly. However, balanced ventilation is appropriate for all climate zones.
• Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV). By coupling a balanced approach with an energy recovery or heat recovery ventilator (ERV or HRV), incoming air can be conditioned and dehumidified, saving on heating and cooling expenses for the home. A tight enclosure guards the interior of the home and guarantees that air is properly enclosed and controlled.

During the past several code cycles, mechanical ventilation requirements have been added to ensure adequate outside air is provided for ventilation whenever residences are occupied. Ideally, an airtight home designed with both continuous and intermittent ventilation will contribute to a healthy and comfortable living environment for the entire family.

Building Energy Codes and Standards (Residential & Commercial)
Yet another factor for builders and homeowners to consider when evaluating the indoor air quality in their homes are the applicable local and national building codes. The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) currently address the energy efficiency requirements for the design, materials, and equipment used in nearly all new construction, additions, renovations, and construction techniques.

ASHRAE 62.2 is the standard most commonly referenced for home ventilation. The purpose of this standard is to specify minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide IAQ that is acceptable to human occupants and that minimizes adverse health effects. However, complying with a building energy code is challenging for both builders and architects. If a code requires ASHRAE 62.2 compliance and a home fails to meet the ventilation standard, a builder is faced with expensive alterations to mechanical systems, fan capacities, and duct sizing.

Home Energy Ratings
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the nationally recognized scoring system for measuring a home’s energy performance. Ratings are calculated at the end of the construction process by a certified Home Energy Rater using diagnostic equipment and performance modeling software. The rating takes into account variables such as a home’s airtightness, level of insulation, and type of heating and cooling system. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home.

In fact, the goal is to have a Net Zero home, which means that your home’s energy consumption is equal to the energy it is able to produce. These energy-efficient homes are more affordable to maintain, more comfortable, and have a higher value compared to regular homes. Older homes often fall under the higher ratings due to issues such as old sagging insulation or tiny cracks and holes that have developed over time, compromising the performance and energy efficiency of the home.

The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index, while a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100.

• A home with a HERS Index Score of 70 is 30 precent more energy efficient than a standard new home.
• A home with a HERS Index Score of 130 is 30 percent less energy efficient than a standard new home.

However, balancing a low HERS score with a whole home ventilation approach is difficult. As a measure of how tightly built your home is, a HERS score will likely increase when ventilation strategies are employed. For manufacturers and builders, the challenge becomes how to meet air cycle requirements as cost effectively as possible. The best measure of this in ventilation is "cost per HERS point."

To find a whole-house system that not only meets stringent ASHRAE 62.2 and ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes 3.0 ventilation requirements, but also provides the lowest cost per HERS point, builders and manufacturers are beginning to partner with utilities and independent third-party service providers and organizations that offer programs and/or services that support customer efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency. Finding OEMs that design and engineer ventilation solutions with these complex variables in mind can help you navigate this cost/efficiency nexus.

Third-Party Certification
Popular voluntary performance programs such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)® for Homes, ENERGY STAR® Homes program, and the Zero Energy Ready Home, use IECC and ASHRAE as the foundation to create a healthy, high-performance home. LEED works for all buildings—from homes to corporate headquarters—at all phases of development. Projects pursuing LEED certification earn points across several areas that address sustainability issues. Based on the number of points achieved, a project then receives one of four LEED rating levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.³

EPA also offers special recognition to builders who commit to building 100 percent of their homes to meet ENERGY STAR® program requirements. ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary government program administered through the EPA. Its goal is to help people and businesses save money and protect the climate through energy efficiency. Each year, EPA and DOE honor organizations and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency with their annual ENERGY STAR® Awards event.

The blue ENERGY STAR label was established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy and make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills without sacrificing performance, features, and comfort.⁴ ENERGY STAR® partners agree to measure, track, and benchmark energy performance; develop and implement a plan to improve energy performance, adopt the ENERGY STAR® strategy; and educate staff and the public about their partnership and achievements with ENERGY STAR®.

Proper Installation
As more building codes call for whole house ventilation, a new ventilation system makes it easier to create supply or balanced ventilation system in a single-family or multifamily home. However, it’s important to note any mechanical ventilation system will not reach its performance potential if components are poorly manufactured or installed improperly. System imbalances occur when components of the HVAC system are improperly adjusted or installed and can create pressure differences (too much circulating air creating a draft or too little, circulating air creating stagnancy).

Unfortunately, most ventilation fans are not living up to their cfm claims, which can lead to costly compliance failure issues, expensive call-backs, IAQ problems, increased construction defects and warranty work, painful litigation, and angry, vengeful buyers.

A recent testing by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that of all the bathroom fans they evaluated, 48 percent failed the required airflow standards outlined in ASHRAE 62.2.2013. Many builders going for ENERGY STAR have learned that fans rated at 50 cfm generally don’t cut it and have turned to installing fans rated at 110 cfm in all their homes. One case study of Habitat for Humanity houses that were going for certification in the ENERGY STAR new homes program tested nine fans, all rated at 110 cfm. Only five of these 110 cfm rated fans beat the 51 cfm mark. They achieved between 51-85 cfm, none coming close to the 110 cfm rating. And the four fans that failed? Their exhaust flow rates were 30, 45, and 46 cfm.

So how does a ventilation fan help solve consumer desires? Home buyers want energy efficiency; 90 percent of home buyers list ENERGY STAR appliances as part of their most wanted features list, and 88 percent say the same about an ENERGY STAR rating for the whole home. Smart builders have listened. In 2015, 190,180 new homes in the United States were HERS rated, more than 38 percent of all new homes sold, which is a 30 percent increase over 2014. What's more, home buyers on average will pay an additional $10,732 up front to save $1,000 a year in utilities.

Conclusion
Whole-house mechanical ventilation is on the rise, driven by advances in building design, building codes, and an ever-more-discerning consumer base that recognize the importance of a healthy home environment. Since 2008, single-family detached homes with whole-house ventilation systems have grown from 9 percent to 27 percent of all new home construction, according to the 2015 Annual Builder Practices Survey conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs. Due to states' adoption of the 2012 International Building Code, more homes will be requiring mechanical ventilation, which will help alleviate moisture issues and maintain healthy indoor environmental quality for home owners.

Builders nationwide are seeking to lower their homes' HERS scores to meet ASHRAE 62.2 and ENERGY STAR® Certified Home 3.0 ventilation requirements. In an era with so many factors for builders and homeowners to consider, it's important to work with partners that understand all of these moving pieces and can help you find the best solution for your unique circumstance. Understanding how mechanical ventilation systems are evaluated and knowing their performance characteristics helps building and construction professionals find the right solution for their project needs. There are solutions that builders and contractors are working on that manufacturers haven't even seen yet. As new technologies arise and new public hazards are identified, working with manufacturers to come up with new products is a trend that will grow in the years to come. "Building tight and ventilating right" remains the recipe, both for a healthy home and a successful homebuilder.

References
1. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/05/prweb14298214.htm
2. http://business.panasonic.com/solutions-hvacsolutions-ventilationforthehomeowner-exhaustsupplybalancedventilation
3. http://www.usgbc.org/leed
4. https://www.energystar.gov/products/how-product-earns-energy-star-label

About the Author

Jim Shelton, Vice President, Panasonic Eco Solutions North America (PESNA), is driving the next generation of Panasonic solutions to meet builders’ ever-changing ventilation needs. For more than five years, he has led the Eco Products division of PESNA and in 2016, was promoted to vice president. He brings a wealth of industry experience to his role, where he is responsible for sales, marketing, and product development for the company's ventilation business, as well as the strategic planning, implementation, and management of key initiatives. He has been a standard bearer for ventilation products since 2001; prior to joining Panasonic Eco Solutions in 2001, he was the area sales manager for Thomas & Betts, a large, multinational manufacturer of electrical, electronic, mechanical and utility products. He is on the board of the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance. 

Copyright 1996-2016 1105 Media Inc. All rights reserved.