Sampling strategies of indoor air quality assessment for offices

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose alternative sampling schemes for indoor air quality assessments in which a balance between the sampling time required and number of sampling points chosen is allowed.

Design/methodology/approach

CO₂ was used as a reference to evaluate the existing and the proposed sampling schemes for average indoor pollutant concentration regarding the sampling time and sampling point density required and the probable errors induced at certain confidence levels of the measurement.

Findings

The results showed that increasing the number of sampling points would significantly reduce the corresponding sampling time required: at the same confidence level, doubling the sampling point density from 250 m² to 500 m² per measurement point would reduce the sampling time required from eight hours to three hours.

Research limitations/implications

The model parameters were determined from surveys for some typical offices in Hong Kong and therefore may require adaptation for use elsewhere.

Practical implications

A useful source of information in determining the number of sampling points chosen and the duration of the measurement needed according to the “acceptable” measurement uncertainty allowed.

Originality/value

Providing flexibility in IAQ assessment, the results would be useful to policymakers for making decisions on resources and manpower management for their respective sampling strategies while taking the uncertainties into account.

Citation

Hui, P.S., Wong, L.T. and Mui, K.W. (2007), "Sampling strategies of indoor air quality assessment for offices", Facilities, Vol. 25 No. 5/6, pp. 179-184. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632770710742156