Exploring the indoor air quality in dwellings located in potentially highly polluted areas in current and future climates – A case study in Inner West

Supervisor

A/Prof. Nicola Willand (RMIT)

Description

This research is designed to understand Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conditions in dwellings located in inner west Melbourne and the factors influencing IAQ such as outdoor and indoor conditions, dwelling characteristics, occupants’ behaviours and climate change.

The research will identify strategies to mitigate potential risks of poor IAQ in dwellings located in highly polluted areas. These may include increasing airtightness, replacing gas-fuelled heating and cooking appliances with electric appliances, installing mechanical ventilation, and changes to occupant behaviours relating to the opening of windows, smoking, use of kitchen exhausts as well as burning candles and incenses.

The study will use a multiple case study design with purposive sampling (non-probability sampling technique) and mixed-methods approach. The primary data will include qualitative data (home tours and interviews) and quantitative data (field measurements and activity diaries) to characterise and explain the IAQ in the participating households. The field data will be used to calibrate baseline simulation models which will be used to (i) explore the impact of climate change on IAQ and (ii) identify strategies that improve the IAQ in current and future climates.