MD

AIR QUALITY

Ventilation, Airtightness & Energy Efficiency

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Discuss the relation about ventilation design and airtightness in building for energy efficiency and
indoor air quality. The study's objectives are to measure the airtightness and ventilation of two new
similar buildings by comparing the similarities and differences between the two structures, such as
contexts, usage, and ventilation systems to be considered when summarizing the results.

The dissertation section:

1. AIRTIGHTNESS & VENTILATION

2. OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY

3. INDOOR AIR QUALITY & UNDER-VENTILATION

4. CASE STUDY-2 NEW COLLEGE BUILDINGS

- LITERATURE REVIEW

The writer uses Department of Health (London, 2004) data for the 3 key issues that become the
main points in the dissertation. It is a relevant and reliable source because it is also the guidance for
health of indoor air quality. The sources used for the study are comprehensive and cover a range of
topics related to airtightness, outdoor, indoor air quality, and ventilation. The references appear to
be from reputable sources, including academic journals, government reports, and professional
organizations.

- METHODOLOGY

Developed based on the fundamental issues that affect the IAQ:

- air exchanges
- outdoor pollution
- internal pollution
Conclude with 2 case studies with identical envelope and ventilation strategy, but on different sites
(busy road and peaceful rural). Completed in 2011 and 2012.

Key measurements:
- number of pollutants >> the difference of location effect.
- the levels of VOCs in the building >> relation to building age.
- building’s airtightness >> impacts IAQ.
The data collection method:
- Several room types selected based on identical room at both buildings for comparison purposes.
- Measure 3 days period humidity and temperature (Air Quality Monitor), VOC (Ion Science ‘CUB’
VOC monitor)

The data is analyzed by comparing each specific room and specific condition for both buildings based
on the key measurements.

The methodology is well thought and structured for the research objectives for the study. It reviews
relevant literature and conducts field study.

- Strength of conclusions

-The conclusions state factors mentioned in the study such as airtightness and leakiness to show
how this could be a major factor in ventilation’s performance in domestic and non-domestic
buildings.

-For domestic building, the authors examined the collected data. along with reference documents
demonstrating the benefits and drawbacks of various solutions
-While in non-domestic buildings, the conclusions focus on bio effluent matters according to the
study then relate to strategy from other places such as in the USA to raise questions about optional
ways to cope with the issues.

- When analyzing VOC emissions, the author also provides recent regulation relating to the case
studies to strengthen the conclusions.

- How they meet assessment outcomes

- giving factors of criteria relating two new college buildings, assessing outdoor air quality
surrounding the buildings, and evaluating indoor air quality in relation to mentioned factors.

- The study provides qualitative information from observing and quantitative data from reliable
sources or calculations to relate the specific issues

- The study gives interpretations and ideas to the analysis such as in topics about potential under-
ventilation issues, the author suggested ideas for improving indoor air quality while maintaining
energy efficiency.

- The study shows a thorough understanding of sustainable design principles and their practical
application in real-world construction projects.
GG

Can models of social engagement in relation to regenerating neglected and unused sites,
function effectively in a Mexican context?

Aim
● To establish a relationship between the community and public organisations for a
sustainable approach that includes retrofitting neglected and unused sites in Mexico (
one of the most conflictive scenarios present in Latin America).
● The writer clearly states the research question and comes up with an aim relevant to the
issues in Mexico, and tries to answer the question accordingly.

Objectives

● To actively discuss and assess several case studies with a similar context to understand
different approaches within conflictive contexts that work on other models of social
engagement.
● The analysis of these 3 case studies is to formulate a sustainable approach in the
context of Mexico.

Literature review
Much of the literature has been centred around understanding different approaches to social
sustainability. These are listed and compared to one another to determine the most effective
model of approaching such intervention, like social engagement in the context of Mexico.
Firstly, the terms applied in the context of social engagement and alternative approaches to
social engagement have been listed for a deeper understanding.
Methodology

● The writer used a triangular methodology to address the research question by analysing
and comparing three different case studies and comparing them to the literature study.
● Choosing Scottish cases is to acquire successful experience, and the selection of
Colombia can provide a similar social background. Both of them can provide a baseline
for Mexico’s case study to be compared and then be applied into the Mexican context
and even the Latin American context.
● Each case study adequately details the social context, engagement process, initiative
model, site approach, political agenda and architectural response. The methods and
data analysis techniques are well described.
Strength of conclusions

The conclusion is well thought out. The writer deeply analysed the case study, provided valuable
insights into the model of social engagement, and applied the scenario in Mexico. The writer
considered the current needs and stated that a set of parameters should be implemented to
empower the social structure. Participation without redistribution of power is empty, but the
whole base of citizen participation without a structured distribution of citizen empowerment
would destroy the model of engagement. Combined with the actual situation in Mexico, although
its complex social background makes, it is difficult to evaluate the social engagement model.
The writer used tools like the ‘ladder of participation’ to support his conclusion.
How do they meet the assessment outcomes

● A comparative matrix is the core of this research. It helped the writer assess, analyse,
and use it in the most deprived zones of Mexico for adaptive reuse of unused sites.
● This comparative analysis is thorough and shows a significant correlation between
different aerials dealing with a similar problem. It allowed for deep explorations of
community perspectives.
● Overall, using qualitative and quantitative studies helped the writer provide a clear
overview of different terms of social engagement and answer the research question
effectively.
● This paper triangulates the theoretical framework from a literature review, analysis of
case studies and interview of an expert to generate the conclusion of a suitable social
engagement for the Mexican context.
VB
Energy Performance Building Certification: a Methodology for
Benchmarking in Malta

General Outline

The aims and objectives of the dissertation are to examine the implementation of the
Energy Performance Building Directive in Malta, to address the issue of reducing
Malta's dependence on fossil fuels, and to propose a series of benchmarks for energy
performance certification that are tailored to the Maltese building practices and
economic parameters. The study focuses on two representative building typologies and
tests them with the newly launched Energy Performance Certification software,
considering local conditions and comparing results to other southern European
assessment schemes. The ultimate goal is to provide recommendations to improve the
effectiveness of energy performance certification in Malta.

The main driving force for the study is the need for benchmarks for Energy
Performance Certification. The dissertation aims to obtain a set of energy
performance standards for the Maltese building stock.

2nd-The second chapter discusses the backdrop of the significant global forces
influencing low-energy buildings and why everyone is working together to achieve
zero-energy buildings.

3rd- In the third chapter, where a brief history of Malta is given and what is thought
typical Maltese construction methods and materials are listed, the case study context
is provided. This chapter also discusses the EPBD's implementation in Malta and
potential issues with the rule in the future.

4th- The testing technique, software settings, U-values compressions according to the
wall, roof, glazing, space heating&cooling, lighting, etc., utilised in conventional
building methods, minimal standards, and enhanced values are all covered in detail.
The outcomes of the tests are also presented and examined in this chapter.

5th- The general outline of the facts and results. In contrast to chapter 4, chapter 5 is
more observational and a refinement of the analysis and observations made in the
previous chapter.

The final chapter- The chapter also talks about benchmarking's significance.
4. Testing Methodology and Results
4.1 Minimum Energy Performance Requirements in Malta – a Background
To conform to the EU Directive, the author consulted three most commonly used
software tools nearby to setup the Maltese version of the software. He calculates the
energy required for space heating or cooling based on assumptions and determines the
energy used for domestic hot water production based on existing methods. And it
suggests factors like U-Values for glazing, emissivity, and shading factors if not known.

Critically, it needs to discuss the effectiveness of the software in achieving their

intended purpose of improving energy performance though it is hard to discuss. Besides,
lack of enforcement by the authority is also a significant issue, as it allows non-
conformant buildings to be constructed.

4.2 Dwelling Typologies

The author chooses two dwelling typologies with opposite characteristics to analyse.
The apartment was chosen because it is one of the most common dwelling typologies,
while the semi-detached dwelling was preferred because it is at the other end of the
scale concerning frequency. Next, the author compares and introduces the differences
between the two house configurations.

Though the choice of the two typologies for analysis appears reasonable, it is not
convincing why the authors chose a semi-detached house over a terraced house, the
most common typology in Malta.
4.3 Testing Setup & Methodology
The article describes a testing methodology aimed at deriving a set of benchmarks for
the energy performance of Maltese buildings. The testing involves five stages, each
with gradual improvements to building components such as U-values, heating and
cooling systems, lighting, and renewable energy sources. The testing aims to understand
which improvements play a significant role in increasing energy performance and to
measure the approximate capital cost required.

The authors provide a detailed description of the testing process; however, it would be
more helpful to provide more explanation for choosing this test method and how it
could affect the results.

4.4 Calculations of U-values

The traditional construction techniques and materials used in Malta are employed in the
study for five different wall and roof typologies, and the U-values are calculated using
the Combined Method of a standard. Thinking critically, there are two points to improve.

Firstly, while the author describes for the different wall and roof typologies, there is no
discussion on why those particular construction techniques and materials are used, and
it is unclear if these typologies are representative of the most commonly used or most
energy-efficient construction methods in Malta.

Secondly, there is no information on how the U-values of the building were validated.
While the calculation methods used are outlined, it is important to ensure that the
calculated U-values are representative of the actual thermal performance.

The paper's conclusion is strong as it presents clear and specific findings on the
effectiveness and suitability of Malta's Energy Performance Building Directive. The
paper provides evidence-based benchmarks for energy performance tailored to local
dwellings, which can be used as a tool for the construction industry to improve energy
efficiency. The paper highlights the importance of proactive measures and investments
by the construction industry and authorities to meet energy efficiency standards and
reduce energy demands. The paper concludes with a call for a strong framework
involving various stakeholders to enforce the Directive and promote energy efficiency
measures. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis and recommendations
for improving energy efficiency in Malta's building stock, making the conclusion strong
and impactful.