A case study investigation of indoor air quality in UK passivhaus dwellings

The utilization of the German ‘Passivhaus Standard’ has grown rapidly in recent years. Stimulated by the shift towards energy efficient design and rising fuel costs, the concept is perceived as a potential means of meeting future zero carbon targets through an established, reliable methodology. The standards ability to ensure adequate indoor air quality in a UK climate however remains fundamentally under-researched. This paper investigates the potential implications of the Passivhaus standard on indoor air quality. A case study is presented, which consisted of indoor air quality measurements, occupant diary, building survey and occupant interviews in a Passivhaus social housing project in the UK. The findings provide much needed insights into indoor air quality in homes designed to this standard; which can be disseminated to aid the development of effective sustainable building design that is appropriate to localized climatic conditions and sensitive to the health of building occupants.