Reader Response Draft 1

An excerpt from Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises (1996) stated that indoor air quality (IAQ) can be improved through the initial stage of design and construction of the building. The air conditioning and mechanical ventilation system (ACMV) should be designed in a way that prevents the spread of contaminants. Building materials used should not produce any chemicals that will affect the IAQ. To ensure acceptable IAQ, an inspection should be continuously done by professional, making sure the materials used for air ducts were able to withstand daily usage and maintenance. The guideline also mentioned that placement of the outdoor air intakes should be far away from any form of pollutions, while the air filter should be situated near air intakes with protection from outdoor elements. Any systems do not belong to ACMV should not be found in AHU room.

However, these guidelines are not applicable now as the standard requirement for IAQ had changed since 1996 with the newest edition in 2015. Furthermore, the guidelines only mentioned the IAQ management during the design and construction phase, which does not include the benefits of maintaining the IAQ level and the relevant health issues regarding the topics.

Firstly, the Building Construction Authority came out with Green Mark NRB2015 Technical Guide & Requirements (2015). It is the newest edition of the criteria for green mark certification, which includes IAQ documentation requirements during the design stage. In the excerpt from the new edition, the design stage should also include occupant comfort. It stated that it is a requirement to conduct an IAQ audit by a qualified laboratory in the first year of occupancy to ensure the IAQ is within the acceptable limit. Thus, it clear that the initial guidelines are outdated and shouldn’t continue to be used.

Secondly, there are benefits in maintaining a good IAQ. Based on the article “3 Major Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality” (2017), it stated that it will cost a lot financially for the building to clear out pollutants as the stress on HVAC will increase and efficiency will decrease, leading to more repairs and upgrades to tackle the situation. It also mentioned that having bad air quality in the building also makes life difficult. Occupants will have to experience bad smell and most likely will experience sneezing frequently. Through this article, I believed that having good air quality in the building will not only save cost for the electricity bill, but it will also make life more convenient.

Lastly, having a bad air quality will cause health implications. The article “Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution” (2018) stated the short-term symptoms and long-term health implications of having indoor air pollutants in the building. Some of the short-term symptoms consist of coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and these symptoms will be relieved once the occupants leave the building. However, some cases have led to severe health issues like wheezing, severe lung disease and fever. Through this article, I can understand the importance of having good indoor air quality and the consequences of not having.

Overall, the article covered the ways which a building could improve in their IAQ through the initial design and construction stage. However, it would be better if they used something that’s more recent so that it will be more applicable to the new buildings. Furthermore, they can also include the benefits of having good indoor air quality and the relevant health issues so that occupants will have more awareness about it.

Ministry of the Environment. (1996).  Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises.
Retrieved from https://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/others/NEA_Office_IAQ_Guidelines.pdf

Building Construction Authority (2015). Green Mark NRB2015 Technical Guide & Requirements.

Retrieved from https://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/others/GM_NRB2015_Technical_Guide_Requirements_R3.pdf

Temperature Pro Milwaukee (2017). 3 Major Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality

Retrieved from https://temperaturepromilwaukee.com/110-3-major-benefits-of-good-indoor-air-quality/

Blue Point Environmental (2018). Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution

Retrieved from https://www.bluepointenvironmental.com/indoor-air-quality-health-effects/