Inventory of air conditioning systems and ventilation measures in buildings

6.6.2024-6.6.2025

Increasing indoor air quality is a declared goal of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for ventilation to protect against infection. Due to the energy efficiency of new buildings, the required minimum air exchange is often not achieved if ventilation measures are inadequate. Minimum air changes are required - depending on room occupancy - to prevent mold formation and to keep the concentration of pollutants in the air low. In particular, increased CO2 concentrations are strongly linked to the well-being of those using the space.

In this research project, the project team for the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) determines the status of ventilation technology and ventilation options in public buildings through surveys and asks room users about ventilation behavior and the level of knowledge and awareness regarding indoor air quality and ventilation. In addition, information on ventilation technology, concepts and (legal) regulations in European countries is obtained and, if necessary, the reasons for this are determined. Finally, recommendations are developed which serve as a basis for the development of information material suitable for the target group.

Two institutes at Heilbronn University are working on the work packages together: the Institute for Flow in Additively Manufactured Porous Structures (ISAPS) as a specialist in indoor air flow and the Heilbronn Institute for Applied Market Research (H-InfaM) as a specialist in socio-empirical research.