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Jenny Von Platten

Jenny von Platten

Postdoktor

Jenny Von Platten

Determining the Impact of High Residential Density on Indoor Environment, Energy Use, and Moisture Loads in Swedish Apartments-and Measures for Mitigation

Author

  • Akram Abdul Hamid
  • Jenny von Platten
  • Kristina Mjörnell
  • Dennis Johansson
  • Hans Bagge

Summary, in English

Recently, there has been an increase in apartments with a large number of inhabitants, i.e., high residential density. This is partly due to a housing shortage in general but also increased migration, particularly in suburbs of major cities. This paper specifies issues that might be caused by high residential density by investigating the technical parameters influenced in Swedish apartments that are likely to have high residential density. Interviews with 11 employees at housing companies were conducted to identify issues that might be caused by high residential density. Furthermore, simulations were conducted based on extreme conditions described in the interviews to determine the impact on the energy use, indoor environmental quality, and moisture loads. In addition, the impact of measures to mitigate the identified issues was determined. Measures such as demand-controlled ventilation, increase of a constant ventilation rate, and moisture buffering are shown to reduce the risk for thermal discomfort, mold growth, and diminished indoor air quality; while still achieving a lower energy use than in a normally occupied apartment. The results of this study can be used by authorities to formulate incentives and/or recommendations for housing owners to implement measures to ensure good indoor environmental quality for all, irrespective of residential density conditions.

Department/s

  • Division of Building Physics
  • Division of Building Services
  • National Renovation Centre

Publishing year

2021-05-13

Language

English

Publication/Series

Sustainability

Volume

13

Issue

10

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

MDPI AG

Topic

  • Building Technologies

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2071-1050