VOC-passport. A methodology for proactive and energy efficient ventilation of early-stage VOCs in buildings

The project aims to verify a new methodology for a proactive and energy-efficient control of increased levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) occurring in newly built or renovated buildings at early occupancy stages.

These non-occupant related VOCs from new materials and objects can temporarily but significantly worsen the perceived indoor air quality with headache, eye irritation, breathing difficulties, and impaired mental performance as consequences.

Current practice, to reduce VOC levels, is to arbitrarily increase the ventilation (and energy use) during a considerable period (6 – 12 months), without inspecting the actual VOC levels.

The goal is to provide building managers an alternative - a tool (VOC-passport) for gaining insights into a VOC-footprint of the building and finding an optimized ventilation schedule to achieve acceptable levels of VOC pollution at least energy expenses. As there are very promising preliminary results, the project has a great chance of success.