Importance of indoor environmental quality surveys for evaluating renovation effects

Evaluating indoor environmental quality (IEQ) after renovations is crucial, as it notably impacts occupant satisfaction and productivity. Here, we aimed to analyze the differences in IEQ evaluation before and after the renovation of old heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment on one floor of a research institute building in Korea. To evaluate the renovation effect, sensor measurements and surveys were used to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The consistency and accuracy of the data were maintained by permitting the same occupants to assess IEQ before and after the renovation using an online survey system. Additionally, to verify the renovation effect, IEQ evaluations were also performed between renovated and not renovated floors during the same period. Statistical analysis revealed that HVAC renovation improved relative humidity and air quality among quantitative IEQ parameters and increased thermal comfort, total satisfaction, and productivity among occupants. The proposition suggests that showcasing enhanced IEQ will have a substantial impact on promoting widespread acceptance and adoption of building renovations. In particular, the analysis showed that surveys are a comprehensive and diverse method for learning about IEQ improvements after renovations.