scholarly journals TVOCs and PM 2.5 in Naturally Ventilated Homes: Three Case Studies in a Mild Climate

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 6225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesica Fernández-Agüera ◽  
Samuel Dominguez-Amarillo ◽  
Marco Fornaciari ◽  
Fabio Orlandi
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Southern Europe ◽  
Pm 2.5 ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Indoor Sources ◽  
Indoor Contaminants ◽  
Different Seasons

In southern Europe, the present stock of social housing is ventilated naturally, with practice varying in the different seasons of the year. In winter, windows are kept closed most of the day with the exception of short periods for ventilation, whereas the rest of the year the windows are almost permanently open. In cold weather, air changes depend primarily on the air infiltrating across the envelope and when the temperature is warm, on the air flowing in through open windows. CO2, PM2.5, and TVOC concentration patterns were gathered over a year’s time in three social housing developments in southern Europe with different airtightness conditions and analyzed to determine possible relationships between environmental parameters and occupants’ use profiles. Correlations were found between TVOC and CO2 concentrations, for human activity was identified as the primary source of indoor contaminants: peak TVOC concentrations were related to specific household activities such as cooking or leisure. Indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were likewise observed to be correlated, although not linearly due to the presence of indoor sources. Ventilation as presently practiced in winter appears to be insufficient to dilute indoor contaminants in all three buildings, nor does summertime behavior guarantee air quality.

scholarly journals Sense of Home

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Emelia Atkins
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Low Incomes ◽  
Housing Standards ◽  
Unique Potential ◽  
Sense Of Home

<p>Quality atmospheric conditions and the ability to empower residents has been overlooked in recent social housing developments as they have been strongly economically focused. The demand for inner city social housing within New Zealand has been a pressing issue since the first worker’s dwellings were built in Petone.  Social housing residents are known for their comparatively low incomes and high needs, but this should not mean that they have to dwell in a different standard of housing from other income earners.  Social housing is a reality for a growing portion of our society in New Zealand; the location and quality of housing should not be defined by social stigma and hierarchy. Architecture as a discipline has unique potential to critique existing social housing standards and create diversity of atmosphere that evoke a sense of empowerment amongst residents.  This research explores the manipulation of hybrid prefabrication systems, with the aim of empowering social housing residents through diverse atmospheric conditions.</p>

scholarly journals The effect of environmental factors on the mayfly communities of headwater streams in the Pieniny Mountains (West Carpathians)

Biologia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Kłonowska-Olejnik ◽  
Tomasz Skalski
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Headwater Streams ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Organic Pollution ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Substrate Type ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
West Carpathians ◽  
Source Current

AbstractA study of the species composition of mayfly communities in connection with environmental parameters was made in headwater streams of the Pieniny Mts. The rhithral zone is inhabited maximally by 19 mayfly species. In most of the streams studied the mayfly communities were found to be similar, however the vertical zonation which reflected human impact was visible (NMDS analysis). The main factors responsible for mayfly communities at all the sites studied were stream regulation and organic pollution, followed by type of bottom substrate (pebble and gravel), riparian vegetation (shrubs), pH and water temperature. At undisturbed sites the most important factors were pH, substrate type, distance from the source, current velocity and riparian vegetation (CCA analysis). Analysis of mayfly communities and environmental characteristics in different seasons showed that occurrence of mayfly species varied substantially depending on the season. Only in early spring and autumn do mayfly communities occur which are dependent on many environmental factors, the most significant of which are substrate type, phosphate, distance from source and altitude (CCA analysis).

scholarly journals Techno-economic assessment of microalgae cultivation in a tubular photobioreactor for food in a humid continental climate

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Schade ◽  
T. Meier
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Labor Cost ◽  
System Model ◽  
Cold Weather ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Fish Stocks ◽  
Oleaginous Microalgae ◽  
Infrastructure Maintenance

AbstractFish as the primary source for the essential n − 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) cannot cover the global demand for these important nutrients resulting in a supply gap of currently 1.1 million tons of EPA + DHA annually. A further exploitation of natural fish stocks is linked to great damage to ecosystems. Oleaginous microalgae are a natural source for EPA and DHA and could possibly contribute to closing this gap. The cultivation in photobioreactors (PBR) in a ‘cold-weather’ climate showed that microalgae compare favorably to aquaculture fish. The present study assesses the economic potential of microalgae for food in such system model. Techno-economic assessment was conducted on the basis of a dynamic system model for the cultivation of Nannochloropsis sp. in industrial scale in Central Germany over a time span of 30 years. The net present value (NPV) and return-on-investment (ROI) were obtained for a number of scenarios in which technic and economic parameters were altered. Taking the size of the PBR considered into account, the cultivation of Nannochloropsis sp. yielded a positive NPV of EUR 4.5 million after 30 years which translates to an annualized ROI of 1.87%. The sensitivity analysis overall resulted in annualized ROIs between 1.12 and 2.47%. Major expenditures comprised the PBR infrastructure, maintenance and labor cost. An extended cultivation season by four weeks was responsible for an NPV surplus of almost one third (32%). An increase in the selling price by 15% was responsible for a 47% higher NPV. In comparison with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) raised in aquaculture, EPA from Nannochloropsis sp. resulted in about halved cultivation costs (− 44 to − 60%). In this study we could show that microalgae from photoautotrophic cultivation not only have the potential to supply humans with essential nutrients, but they are also a lucrative investment, even in a ‘cold-weather’ climate where cultivation cannot take place year round. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Framework for Refurbishment - Enhancing Social Spaces, Thermal Comfort and Seismic Performance in the Refurbishment of Modernist Social Housing.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Sarah Pells
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Seismic Performance ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Social Space ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Design Tool ◽  
Social Spaces ◽  
Design Assessment ◽  
Housing Developments

<p><b>Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) has a stock of social housing developments built between 1940-1980, requiring substantial refurbishment to meet current thermal comfort and seismic performance requirements. Additionally, these developments often lack social spaces that are inadequate to changing societal circumstances. Consequently, there is a desire to demolish rather than refurbish. The situation will be exacerbated by the new Healthy Homes Standards (Tenancy Services, 2020) to be introduced 1st July 2023. The new standard will require social housing providers to ensure dwellings can be heated to a minimum of 18°C. There are exemplar social housing refurbishments in NZ, but there is a lack of systematic assessment to inform and increase uptake of refurbishment as a development option. </b></p> <p>This research proposes a systematic framework for the refurbishment of modernist social housing developments in NZ, whereby enhancement of social space, thermal comfort and seismic performance are combined. This framework will facilitate application of maximum building performance and liveability standards, which can be generated with minimal intervention.</p> <p>The research comprises six stages: a literature review, a case study analysis (refurbished and non-refurbished social housing projects) leading to a comparative matrix, a design assessment tool, testing of the design tool in a non-refurbished project (Arlington Flats). The literature is analysed to determine the quality and importance of social spaces, thermal comfort, and seismic performance in social housing, as well as best practice design principles to enhance them. Five refurbished social housing case studies (international and NZ) are evaluated, to determine what design strategies led to their success. In addition, six non-refurbished case study projects are analysed to form a comparative matrix to synthesise common topics and problems. Aspects analysed range from urban and dwelling typology, social spaces and structure to construction and building envelope details. The matrix captures areas of similarities and weaknesses and establishes areas of focus to enhance social space, thermal comfort, and seismic performance to be achieved most efficiently. Based on the findings, a design tool is established. The tool is a set of best practice design principles and strategies, represented in a table for designers and stakeholders to use. The tool demonstrates how to best achieve enhancement of social space, thermal comfort, and seismic performance within each identified area of focus. The design tool is utilised to inform design decision making in one of the analysed non-refurbished case studies, namely Arlington Flats. A detailed design is generated for Arlington’s George Porter Tower using the design assessment tool. </p> <p>The research can inform decisions around refurbishment of existing social housing. An increase in the uptake and quality of refurbishments, will contribute to preserving built heritage, increase resident’s health and safety, and reduce resource and energy footprints of housing in NZ.</p>

scholarly journals Characteristics of Semi-Refined Carrageenan From Kappaphycus Seaweed Farmed in Coastal Waters of Northern Java, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
HARYA BIMASUCI ◽  
RATIH IDA ADHARINI ◽  
DINI WAHYU KARTIKA SARI
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Kappaphycus Alvarezii ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Gel Strength ◽  
Ash Content ◽  
Gelling Agent ◽  
Sulphate Content ◽  
Water Ph ◽  
Kappa Carrageenan

Kappaphycus seaweed is the primary source of carrageenan, a polysaccharide widely utilised as a thickening and gelling agent in many commercial products. Unlike pure refined carrageenans, semi-refined carrageenans (SRC) are considered more cost-efficient and easier to produce. This study evaluates the quality of SRC extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) Doty ex Silva 1996, and Kappaphycus striatus (F. Schmitz) Doty ex P.C. Silva 1996, seaweeds farmed in the northern part of Java Island, particularly in Serang, Seribu Islands, and Karimunjawa Islands. Using 8 % KOH as a solvent, SRC was extracted from clean dried seaweed. Physical and chemical characteristics of the SRC were measured by assessing the percentage SRC yield, ash content, moisture, sulphate content, viscosity (cp) and gel strength (g.cm-2). Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between SRC quality and environmental factors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that all samples had kappa-carrageenan from peak absorbance of 1218–1224 cm-1 indicating ester sulphate bonds, 924–925 cm-1 indicating 3,6–anhydrogalactose, and 843–844 cm-1 suggesting galactose–4–sulphate groups. Furthermore, ash content, moisture, and viscosity of SRC passed the FAO standard, while the sulphate content was below the threshold limit. Several environmental factors had a significant correlation with SRC quality, such as water pH positively correlated with gel strength, salinity level positively correlated with gel strength, and depth positively correlated with ash content. This study concluded that SRC produced from the sampling sites had varying qualities and may be affected by environmental parameters in their cultivation site.

scholarly journals Add, Transform, and Utilize. Possibilities of Applying Druot, Lacaton, and Vassal’s Modernization Strategies and Solutions in Polish Large-Panel Housing Estates

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1308
Author(s):  
Milena Trzcińska
Keyword(s):  
Social Housing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Living Space ◽  
The Social ◽  
Large Panel ◽  
1960S And 1970S ◽  
Housing Estates ◽  
Housing Facilities

In 2004, in response to France’s 1960s and 1970s urban regeneration program proposing the demolition and redevelopment of large scale social housing developments, Frédérik Druot, Anne Lacaton, and Jean-Philippe Vassal created their PLUS theory (PLUS—Les grands ensembles de logements–Territoires d’exception). Its main aim was to modernize the existing buildings, and to add extra living space, functional freedom, and comfort. This essay examines the PLUS strategy and two of the architects’ projects: the Bois le Prêtre Tower in Paris and the Grand Parc housing estate in Bordeaux. Its aim is to examine the tools used by the architects and investigate the purposefulness and potential of using their solutions in Polish large-scale prefabricated housing estates. Combining the categories of luxury and saving in redevelopment of housing estates paves the way for a new outlook. Maximizing living space, quality, and freedom of living in housing facilities that are not part of the commercial luxury segment of the housing market may prevent potential gentrification and homogenization of the social structure in individual city districts.

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