City office buildings pump polluted air outside

The Impact of Urban Office Buildings on Air Pollution

Introduction

The air coming out of office buildings in urban areas may be more polluted than once believed, according to a new study published in the journal Cell Reports Sustainability. The study highlights that modern buildings continuously release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoor air, making them a significant contributor to urban air pollution.

Research Methodology

The research team conducted direct measurements of outdoor-indoor air pollutant exchange in a high-performance office building using state-of-the-art air quality instrumentation and an advanced building automation platform. The aim was to accurately measure VOCs in the air entering and leaving urban buildings and understand how human occupancy and building operation affect VOC transport between indoor and outdoor air.

Findings and Implications

The study revealed that indoor VOC concentrations are 2 to 15 times higher than outdoors, and per unit area, building emissions of VOCs are comparable to traffic, industrial, and biogenic emissions. The office building was found to be a significant emission source of reactive monoterpenes and siloxanes, commonly found in consumer and personal care products. These findings highlight the need to consider cleaning the air leaving buildings to reduce VOC emissions and improve urban air quality.

Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding the fate and transport of urban air pollutants for developing mitigation strategies and policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By addressing the impact of buildings on urban air pollution, cities can work towards SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate VOC emissions from buildings, the study suggests implementing carbon filters and other air cleaning technologies in HVAC systems. Additionally, using consumer and personal care products with low VOC emissions can contribute to reducing overall VOC levels in the urban atmosphere.

Conclusion

This research highlights the need to consider the role of urban office buildings in contributing to air pollution. By understanding and addressing the impact of buildings on urban air quality, cities can take steps towards achieving the SDGs and creating sustainable and healthy environments for their residents.

Key Takeaways

• Modern buildings continually release volatile chemicals into the outdoor atmosphere.
• Buildings can be significant emission sources of reactive monoterpenes and siloxanes.
• Building source-sink behavior changes with human occupancy and ventilation conditions.
• Direct VOC emissions from buildings must be considered in urban air pollution models.

Researchers from Indiana University and RJ Lee Group Inc. also contributed to this study. Support for the research came from the National Science Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Source: Purdue University

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicators for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to hazardous chemicals and air pollution.
• Indicators for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in urban areas.
• Indicators for SDG 12.4: Emission levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from buildings and their impact on outdoor air quality.
• Indicators for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in building design and HVAC systems to reduce VOC emissions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Fuente: futurity.org

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