Personalised and Sustainable IEQ Monitoring: Use of Multi-Modal and Pervasive Technologies

Graham Coulby, Adrian K. Clear, Oliver Jones and Alan Godfrey ()
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Graham Coulby: Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
Adrian K. Clear: School of Computer Science, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
Oliver Jones: Department of Technologies, Ryder Architecture, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3NN, UK
Alan Godfrey: Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Background: Monitoring indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is important to better understand occupant health. Passive IEQ monitoring with digital technologies may provide insightful quantitative data to better inform, e.g., health interventions. Yet, many traditional approaches with known IEQ technologies have limited utility due to high costs or coarse granularity—focusing on the collective rather than individuals. Equally, subjective approaches (e.g., manual surveys) have poor adherence (i.e., are burdensome). There is a need for holistic IEQ measurement techniques that are sustainable (affordable, i.e., low-cost) and personalised. Here, the aim of this case report is to explore the use of low-cost digital approaches to gather personalised quantitative and qualitative data. Methods: This study deploys a personalised monitoring approach with IEQ devices coupled to wearables, weather data, and qualitative data, captured through a post-study interview. Results: The mixed-method, single-case approach gathered data continuously for six months with a reduced burden, by using digital technologies to affirm environmental factors, which were subjectively evaluated by the participant. Quantitative data reinforced qualitative data, removing the need for generalising qualitative findings against a collective. Conclusions: This study showed that the single-case, mixed-method approach used here can provide a holistic approach not previously obtainable with traditional pen-and-paper techniques alone. The use of a low-cost multi-modal device linked with common home and wearable technology suggest a contemporary and sustainable IEQ measurement approach that could inform future work to better determine occupant health.

Keywords: indoor environmental quality (IEQ); personalised assessment; multi-modal monitoring; sensors; internet of things (IoT); building occupants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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