A substantial share of global energy consumption is used to accommodate desired indoor climate. Increased focus on energy efficient buildings has resulted in rising concerns about possible adverse effects on human health. The objective of the research project WEEE (Wood – Energy, Emission, Experience) is to document the properties for solid wood as a healthy and energy efficient building material. The purpose of this paper is to present relevant issues investigated in the project. The introduction of construction classification schemes is likely to increase the importance of building material emission labelling. These labels often depend on the indicator for emissions of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), but the use of this indicator has been disputed. Natural emissions levels from solid wood show considerable variations between species and with different samples of the same species. Terpenes are the largest part of these emissions, but there is little knowledge about the contribution of individual compounds on the indoor air quality (IAQ). However, there are studies indicating that terpene emissions mixed with ozone will react into compounds that cause sensory irritation. Further work in the project will therefore be to measure continuous emissions from Norwegian softwood (Norway spruce, Picea abies L. Karst and Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris) in a full scale indoor climate laboratory with exposure testing on volunteers.
Keywords: Energy, emissions, experience, health
Authors
Tellnes L. G. F.
Department of Material and Process, Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Oslo, Norway
Nore K.
Department of Engineering and Market, Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Oslo, Norway
Nyrud A. Q.
Department of Engineering and Market, Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology, Oslo, Norway
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