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

Akram Abdul Hamid, Jenny von Platten, Kristina Mjörnell, Dennis Johansson and Hans Bagge
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Akram Abdul Hamid: Division of Building Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
Jenny von Platten: Division of Building Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
Kristina Mjörnell: Division of Building Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
Dennis Johansson: Division of Building Services, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden
Hans Bagge: Division of Building Physics, Lund University, 22100 Lund, Sweden

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-27

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: family size; residential density; energy use; moisture loads; indoor environmental quality; mitigating measures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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