Energy retrofits – A call for healthier energy practices

• Estimated median mortality rates from increased PM2.5 exposure following energy retrofits are nearly double those of outdoor PM2.5 exposure in Ireland. Increased exposure to PM2.5 is likely to drive the long-term health consequences in under ventilated energy retrofits. • Increased exposure to formaldehyde following retrofit could result in increased rates of childhood (< 15 years) asthma • Exposure data can help inform tailored messaging on the role of occupant behaviour on IAQ in energy efficient homes. The impact of indoor air pollutant (IAP) exposure due to increased building airtightness to meet nearly zero energy standards remains largely underexamined. By extrapolating data from pre- and post-retrofit IAP measurements in a small sample of NZEB-retrofitted homes, we estimate potential health consequences from long term exposure at the measured concentrations. Health effects, driven mainly by PM 2.5 , may exceed current estimates for outdoor PM 2.5 exposure in Ireland. This study provides a practical example of the use of IAQ exposure data to estimate the likely health consequences resulting from changes in exposure due to deep energy retrofit. Comprehensive, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand the implications of energy retrofit measures on indoor air quality and public health.