A hybrid model for the assessment of indoor environmental quality in buildings: An insight into mold growth

Reducing energy consumption while providing the required air-change rate is one of the main scopes in the design of energy-efficient buildings, among which the superinsulated nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). However, high airtightness and other features (e.g., vapor barrier) may yield mold formation and hinder the removal of air pollutants, thus compromising indoor air quality. Understanding and managing these mechanisms can promote a healthier and more sustainable living and working environment. The conducted study was focused on devising and developing a predictive methodology for evaluating indoor air quality in compartments endowed with mechanical ventilation, with particular emphasis on mold risk factor. Towards assessing mold growth risk, a comprehensive approach was developed, integrating environmental telemetry data with Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations and a dedicated physical model. To the purpose, a storage area in a residential building was selected as a representative scenario, where key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, pollutant concentration) were monitored over a one-year timeframe. The proposed model proved successful in highlighting the most critical conditions within actual buildings. • Focus on the evaluation of mold formation and growth in enclosed compartments. • Combined approach including telemetry data, numerical and physical models. • Assessment of relative humidity at the most critical wall/air interfaces. • Analysis based on a real-scale scenario endowed with mechanical ventilation. • Suggestions to address mold risk and reduce other indoor air quality risk indexes.