Prof. Manuel Gameiro da Silva’s presentation explores the implementation of smart sensor networks and living-lab strategies to monitor and visualize Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). The research details the development of low-cost, multi-probe sensor systems designed to assess critical indicators such as CO2 concentration, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, PM1), and thermal comfort parameters. By utilizing a case study from the Gemeentehuis Horst aan de Maas, the presentation demonstrates a monitoring architecture that integrates mobile indoor stations with fixed outdoor stations to provide real-time data on building performance. Central to the work is the application of Fanger’s model to calculate thermal comfort indices, specifically the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD), based on variables like air temperature, radiant temperature, and air velocity. The methodology employs specialized software, such as the IEQ Discoverer App, to categorize indoor environments according to EN 16798-1 standards, which range from Category I for high expectations to Category IV for values outside standard criteria. Beyond basic monitoring, the research addresses the particularities of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), examining how ventilation and infiltration processes impact pollutant concentration over time. The presentation concludes that these integrated, affordable systems allow for a broader adoption of IEQ assessments, ultimately enhancing the health, safety, and productivity of building occupants.
