Moisture, temperature and air quality

Buildings are complex, dynamic, socio-technical systems seeking to provide solutions to a multitude of sometimes ill-defined and conflicting design issues. We aim to improve the design, operation and environmental quality of buildings. We advise on design techniques and building technologies and develop novel engineering tools to help industry deliver sustainable buildings.

Our researchers are pioneering the development of integrated multi-variable built environment data frameworks. We develop digital models to represent a complex systems and analyse the dynamic and complex interactions that influence environmental performance. Our findings then inform policy-makers and supports the decision-making process for building design and operation.

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Research areas

Building performance analysis

This research area involves the monitoring and modelling of buildings indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Competing IEQ variables are considered and optimal design and retrofit procedures proposed. State of the art monitoring equipment is used to assess various IEQ variables (e.g. temperature, relative humidity and air pollution) at high temporal resolution. Building physics models can be calibrated to monitored data and used to make predictions under future climates.

Overheating in buildings

As a result of climate change, overheating is becoming an issue of increasing concern. Particularly in historically temperate countries such as the UK, where a heatwave in summer 2022 led to temperatures exceeding 40 °C for the first time. Monitoring is used to examine the extent of the overheating issue. Application of passive adaptation measures such as shading can be modelled to assess their impact on overheating in buildings and the consequential reduction in heat related mortality.    

Winter cold and fuel poverty

Given the recent energy crisis and the rise in fuel bills, many households are facing fuel poverty. This can result in a multitude of physical and mental health problems. Our research investigates the impact of mitigation measures such as home energy efficiency retrofit and fuel subsidies on population health outcomes. We aim to inform policy in order to reduce health inequalities caused by fuel poverty and winter cold.  

Moisture in buildings

Moisture is a common issue in buildings. Our research seeks to understand the leading causes of moisture in buildings which range from internal leaks and internal sources, ingress from exterior sources and indoor hygrothermal conditions. Moisture can lead to damage to properties and health issues to occupants such as asthma. Researchers at IEDE established the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings (UKCMB). An independent organisation with the aim of better understanding and managing moisture risk in the UK.  

Indoor air quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a key determinant of health and health inequalities. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, radon and volatile organic compounds are just some of the pollutants that contribute to poor IAQ. We use monitoring and modelling to assess risks associated with the pollutants. Compensatory ventilation and occupant behaviour can be studied to help mitigate of poor IAQ in buildings. 

Recent projects

Our research projects reflect our research themes of temperature and health, climate change and wellbeing, climate modelling, urban meteorology, geospatial analysis of urban health risk and urban heat mitigation.

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Moisture, temperature and air quality in teaching

Our teaching in this area focuses on establishing a sound understanding of moisture, temperature and indoor air quality risks in buildings. We aim to introduce future designers and practitioners to the methods, practice and consequences of poor indoor environmental quality and how to alleviate these issues.

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