A method to estimate the amount of CO2 generated by building occupants since the early 1980s may be off by as much as 25%.
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and George Mason University say the old formula relies on old data and a method lacking scientific documentation. To help address the problem, the researchers developed a new computation method that uses well-established concepts from the study of human metabolism and exercise physiology.
The new method relates CO2 generation rates to body size and composition, diet, and level of physical activity. Researchers say this results in more accurate estimates of the CO2 generated by individuals, and by extension, an improved estimate of the concentration produced by a building’s entire occupant population.
Measurements of indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations are used to evaluate indoor air quality. CO2 metrics are strongly linked to the levels of contaminants, such as gases and particles, circulating in the air. This information can be used to control ventilation, which helps clean the air, and can reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Related Stories
| May 25, 2012
Study: Safety inspections don’t hurt the bottom line
A new study suggests that random safety inspections by regulators help reduce injury claims without hurting profits.
| May 24, 2012
2012 Reconstruction Awards Entry Form
Download a PDF of the Entry Form at the bottom of this page.
| May 17, 2012
New standard for Structural Insulated Panels under development
ASTM International and NTA, Inc. are developing a new standard for Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) that would create a path for U.S. manufacturers to meet the requirements of the Canadian building code.
| May 17, 2012
Webinar: ‘What Energy Codes and Standards Are Adopted Where and by Whom’
A June 12 webinar by the Construction Specifications Institute will outline what energy codes and standards have been adopted in each of the states for commercial buildings, and what is anticipated to be adopted in the future.
| May 17, 2012
California Governor orders new green standards on state buildings
California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order recently that calls for all new or renovated state buildings of more than 10,000 sf to achieve LEED Silver or higher and incorporate clean, onsite power generation.
| May 17, 2012
New Zealand stadium roof collapse blamed on snow, construction defects
Heavy snowfall, construction defects, and design problems contributed to the collapse of the Stadium Southland roof in New Zealand in September 2010, a report has found.
| May 17, 2012
OSHA launches fall prevention campaign
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently launched an educational campaign to prevent deadly falls in the construction industry.
| May 15, 2012
Suffolk selected for Rosenwald Elementary modernization project
The 314-student station elementary school will undergo extensive modernization.
