Improving indoor air quality from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) becomes a major consideration in indoor environments as it directly affects occupants’ health and comfort. Sick building syndrome (SBS) and adverse perception on IAQ had become significant issues of poor IAQ in Sri Lankan context. These IAQ problems arise due to poorly designed, maintained, or operated ventilation systems. Further, different types of ventilation systems such as natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation have different impacts in IAQ. Yet, it is important to identify IAQ issues in order to improve IAQ through effective ventilation systems. Therefore, this research was aiming to identify IAQ issues with the intention of improving IAQ from effective ventilation systems in office buildings in Sri Lanka. A quantitative research approach based on questionnaire survey and observation were used in order to achieve the objectives. A statistical analysis was carried out to obtain findings of the research. The study revealed that occupants in naturally ventilated buildings were healthier compared to occupants in MVAC buildings.