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Toward Sustainable Indoor Environments: Assessing the Impact of Thermal Insulation Measures on Air Quality in Buildings—A Case Study in Temuco, Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Aner Martinez-Soto

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
    Institute of Geography, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Carlos Jimenez-Gallardo

    (Department of Mathematic and Statistic, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Andrés Villarroel-Lopez

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Alejandro Reyes-Riveros

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile)

  • Johanna Höhl

    (Institute of Geography, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

Abstract

In Chile, an Atmospheric Decontamination Plan (PDA) has been developed to reduce concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in cities deemed “saturated” with these particles. The plan includes various measures, such as the thermal insulation of homes and the replacement of heaters. This study presents an analysis of the indices of four indoor air quality variables (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, and PM 2.5) in different types of homes with varying levels of PDA implementation in the city of Temuco, Chile. Regarding the temperature variable, only one type of home was found to be within comfort limits, with an average of 20.6 °C and a variation of ±3.52 °C (SD). Concerning humidity, independently owned homes with complete and moderate ADP implementation had average humidity levels between 64.82% ± 7.19% and 55.6% ± 6.11%, respectively. For CO 2 , only homes with moderate implementation showed averages slightly below (average 991 ppm) the maximum allowed (1000 ppm). As for PM 2.5, all homes exceeded the standard, ranging from 44.4 µg/m 3 to 130 µg/m 3 , with very high variations. This demonstrates that PM 2.5 concentrations consistently exceeded the limits established by the World Health Organization (15 µg/m 3 ).

Suggested Citation

  • Aner Martinez-Soto & Carlos Jimenez-Gallardo & Andrés Villarroel-Lopez & Alejandro Reyes-Riveros & Johanna Höhl, 2024. "Toward Sustainable Indoor Environments: Assessing the Impact of Thermal Insulation Measures on Air Quality in Buildings—A Case Study in Temuco, Chile," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:547-:d:1315368
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