The quality of indoor air in energy efficient buildings is a significantly important yet under-researched area, particularly in a social housing context. The implementation of air tight envelopes, reliance on mechanical ventilation systems, reduction of ventilation rates and the introduction of new building products, materials and/or techniques increase the risk of inadequate indoor air in energy efficient homes.

In this study, interviews with architects, consultants and housing associations of four recent UK energy efficient social housing projects were conducted in order to explore attitudes on indoor air quality and thermal comfort. This included perception of the importance of consideration of indoor air quality in the design process, knowledge of indoor air quality issues and drivers for the incorporation of indoor air quality strategies in the social housing projects.

Indoor air quality and thermal comfort strategies implemented during the case study projects were identified, including a reflection of their success. In particular, the degree of occupant training during the handover stages were discussed and feedback on the use of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery in a social housing context. Initial feedback from building occupants regarding indoor environmental quality was explored, including discussion of findings from previous field work conducted in the homes.

This work builds on the findings from recent investigations on indoor air quality and thermal comfort in the four case study projects, which consisted of physical indoor air quality measurements, building surveys and interviews with the building occupants. The response and attitudes from housing associations and architects is an important step to identify barriers and solutions to the effective adoption of indoor air quality strategies in social housing schemes.