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Healthy Indoor Environments: The Need for a Holistic Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Aneta Wierzbicka

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Eja Pedersen

    (Environmental Psychology, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Roger Persson

    (Department of Psychology, Lund University, P.O. Box 213, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Birgitta Nordquist

    (Building Services, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Kristian Stålne

    (Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Chuansi Gao

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Lars-Erik Harderup

    (Building Physics, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Jonas Borell

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Héctor Caltenco

    (Certec, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Barry Ness

    (Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS), Lund University, P.O. Box 170, 22 100 Lund, Sweden)

  • Emilie Stroh

    (Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Scheelevägen 2, 22 363 Lund, Sweden)

  • Yujing Li

    (Materials Science and Applied Mathematics, Malmö University, SE-205 06 Malmö, Sweden)

  • Mats Dahlblom

    (Building Services, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Karin Lundgren-Kownacki

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Christina Isaxon

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Anders Gudmundsson

    (Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Pawel Wargocki

    (Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy (CIEE), Danish University of Technology, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark)

Abstract

Indoor environments have a large impact on health and well-being, so it is important to understand what makes them healthy and sustainable. There is substantial knowledge on individual factors and their effects, though understanding how factors interact and what role occupants play in these interactions (both causative and receptive) is lacking. We aimed to: (i) explore interactions between factors and potential risks if these are not considered from holistic perspective; and (ii) identify components needed to advance research on indoor environments. The paper is based on collaboration between researchers from disciplines covering technical, behavioural, and medical perspectives. Outcomes were identified through literature reviews, discussions and workshops with invited experts and representatives from various stakeholder groups. Four themes emerged and were discussed with an emphasis on occupant health: (a) the bio-psycho-social aspects of health; (b) interaction between occupants, buildings and indoor environment; (c) climate change and its impact on indoor environment quality, thermal comfort and health; and (d) energy efficiency measures and indoor environment. To advance the relevant research, the indoor environment must be considered a dynamic and complex system with multiple interactions. This calls for a transdisciplinary and holistic approach and effective collaboration with various stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Aneta Wierzbicka & Eja Pedersen & Roger Persson & Birgitta Nordquist & Kristian Stålne & Chuansi Gao & Lars-Erik Harderup & Jonas Borell & Héctor Caltenco & Barry Ness & Emilie Stroh & Yujing Li & Mat, 2018. "Healthy Indoor Environments: The Need for a Holistic Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:9:p:1874-:d:166581
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Omar al-Ani & Sanjoy Das & Hongyu Wu, 2023. "Imitation Learning with Deep Attentive Tabular Neural Networks for Environmental Prediction and Control in Smart Home," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, June.
    2. Hélène Niculita-Hirzel, 2022. "Latest Trends in Pollutant Accumulations at Threatening Levels in Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings with and without Mechanical Ventilation: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Joost van Hoof & Helen Bennetts & Alana Hansen & Jan K. Kazak & Veronica Soebarto, 2019. "The Living Environment and Thermal Behaviours of Older South Australians: A Multi-Focus Group Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-19, March.
    4. Kristian Stålne & Eja Pedersen, 2021. "Transdisciplinary Research on Indoor Environment and Health as a Social Process," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-18, April.

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