Conference Agenda

The evolution of residential building characteristics challenges policymakers and standard setters to adopt frameworks that ensure energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainability. A recent update to the 1997 collection of dwellings representing the U.S. housing stock, as documented in a recent National Institute of Standards and Technology publication, highlights significant trends that may necessitate reevaluating current policies and standards. This paper describes the update, incorporating findings from the latest U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's American Housing Survey, addressing previously identified gaps and introducing a more representative sample of contemporary dwellings.

Our analysis underscores the continuing emphasis on energy efficiency and the shift towards more sustainable building in codes and regulations as pivotal trends with mixed impacts on the building stock. The updated collection serves as a critical tool for the detailed study of indoor airflow and contaminant dispersion, as well as the coupled modeling of the energy implications of various ventilation strategies nationwide. Such insights are critical for developing building codes, standards, and practices that align with the evolving nature of the U.S. housing stock and that have tenable real-world impacts.

The paper argues for continuously refining the dwelling collection to reflect emerging trends, technological advancements, and in situ building testing. It emphasizes the importance of such updates in maintaining the relevance and utility of this collection for supporting the design and evaluation of buildings. As policymakers and industry professionals grapple with the implications of these findings, our contribution aims to spark a dialogue on the dynamic nature of the housing sector and the need for refining policies and standards to ensure healthier, more sustainable residential environments.

To advance human-centric sensing and environmental control strategies in office environments, this study examines the relationship between environmental conditions, physiological responses, and subjective perceptions of indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort. Controlled experiments were conducted in a climate chamber by establishing six environmental conditions, combining three air temperature levels (20˚C, 24˚C, 28˚C) and two IAQ levels (4 air changes per hour (ACH) vs. 0.2 ACH, the latter with emissions from newly painted wood particleboards). Eighteen participants (eight males and ten females) were exposed to each condition in 3.5-hour sessions on three separate days while engaging in a cognitive task (language learning on Duolingo) to simulate office-related cognitive load. Data collection included micro-environmental measurements around participants (termed “inhalation exposure”), physiological responses, and subjective evaluations of thermal comfort and perceived IAQ. Results indicated that exposure measurements were the only variables to show statistically significant differences related to IAQ variations. In contrast, both survey responses and physiological parameters were significantly related to changes in thermal conditions rather than changes in IAQ conditions.

With a global shift towards sustainability, the fashion and textile industries are under pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices due to their significant energy and water usage and environmental impact. One strategy is the renewed focus on natural materials. Understanding the relationship between natural fiber clothing and human thermal sensation has become crucial, as natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are often considered less harmful to the environment and human health. However, they also present challenges, such as high water and pesticide requirements in production and animal welfare issues. Natural fibers are known for their unique properties, including high moisture absorption and release and breathability, which are often absent in synthetic alternatives. This study investigates how differences in clothing materials specifically linen, cotton, and polyester affect skin temperature and thermal sensation under conditions of light perspiration. In the experimental setting, we measured participants’ skin temperature and evaluated the thermal sensations during a foot bath to assess the impact of natural fibers on subjective thermal comfort. Additionally, we examined the moisture absorption and release capabilities of each natural fibric, further clarifying the distinctions between natural and synthetic fibers. The findings can contribute to clarify the benefits of natural fibers, contributing to sustainable clothing design and material selection. Additionally, with understood these properties, the use of natural fibers can enhance the comfort and health. As a result, this study can provide the insights into developing clothing that balances environmental considerations with thermal comfort.