A recent study published in Scientific Reports focused on IAQ in government office buildings in Nigeria, exploring how seasonal changes, building characteristics, and occupant behaviors impact air quality. The research provides valuable insights into improving IAQ in office settings, particularly in regions with distinct climatic variations.
Researchers measured pollutants such as PM2.5, CO₂, and VOCs across different seasons in different offices, finding that the dry Harmattan season posed significant challenges due to increased outdoor dust infiltration and reduced ventilation. Conversely, pollutant levels were lower during the rainy season. Building features like casement windows enabled better ventilation and air quality compared to fixed or sliding windows.
Occupant behavior also had a significant impact on IAQ. Offices where windows were frequently opened and ventilation actively managed reported lower pollutant concentrations. However, challenges unique to Nigerian offices, such as reliance on diesel-powered generators, contributed to indoor pollution. The findings highlight the importance of tailored IAQ strategies, combining building design improvements, proactive occupant practices, and solutions specific to local environmental conditions, to create healthier and more productive workplaces.
The key insights from the research paper can be summarized as follows.
Seasonal Variations: Pollutant levels vary significantly across seasons, with the Harmattan season posing the greatest challenge due to high levels of outdoor dust infiltration.
Building Design Matters: Offices with casement windows had significantly better air quality, demonstrating the importance of window design in promoting effective ventilation.
Occupant Practices: Proactive behaviors, such as regular window operation and the strategic use of air conditioning or fans, were critical in maintaining better IAQ.
Local Challenges: Issues like dust infiltration during Harmattan and emissions from diesel generators highlight the importance of location-specific IAQ strategies.
This study underscores the importance of integrating building design, occupant behavior, and local environmental factors to enhance IAQ in government offices and similar workplace settings. For Nigeria, the findings provide a roadmap for creating healthier and more productive office environments, addressing the unique challenges posed by seasonal variations and local infrastructure constraints. By implementing these insights, stakeholders can improve the well-being and efficiency of office workers across the country.
Read the full study