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The Effect of Building Age on Indoor Environmental Quality

Abstract

Building age can influence indoor environmental quality through changes in building materials, construction systems, services, maintenance conditions, and patterns of occupancy and use. As buildings become older, components such as windows, roofs, walls, ventilation systems, plumbing installations, and electrical systems may deteriorate or become less effective. These changes can affect the conditions experienced by occupants and may influence thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, and overall user satisfaction. Assessing the relationship between building age and indoor environmental quality is therefore important for maintaining healthy and functional indoor environments. This study examines the effect of building age on indoor environmental quality in occupied buildings. It focuses on key environmental conditions, including thermal comfort, ventilation, indoor air quality, daylighting, artificial lighting, acoustics, and moisture conditions. The study compares buildings of different ages to identify variations in environmental performance and considers how the deterioration or modification of building components may influence occupants' experiences. It also examines the role of building maintenance and refurbishment in moderating the effects associated with ageing. Older buildings may experience reduced environmental performance as building envelopes and services deteriorate over time. Damaged windows, deteriorated roof materials, inadequate insulation, blocked ventilation openings, and ageing mechanical systems can influence indoor temperature and air movement. Similarly, ageing plumbing and moisture-related defects may contribute to dampness and poor indoor air quality. These conditions can reduce occupant comfort and may increase the need for repairs, replacement, or upgrading of building components. The study also considers how changes made to older buildings can affect indoor environmental quality. Renovations, extensions, replacement of windows, installation of air-conditioning systems, changes in internal partitions, and modifications to building envelopes may improve certain aspects of performance while negatively affecting others. For example, increased enclosure may improve thermal control but reduce natural ventilation, while changes to windows may influence both daylight availability and air movement. Building age must therefore be considered alongside the nature and quality of subsequent alterations. Maintenance practices are another important factor in determining whether building age results in declining environmental performance. Regular inspection, cleaning, repair, replacement, and servicing of building components and systems can help older buildings maintain acceptable environmental conditions. Conversely, inadequate maintenance can accelerate deterioration and increase the likelihood of persistent indoor environmental problems. Occupant behaviour, building use, occupancy density, and operational practices may also influence the relationship between building age and indoor conditions. The study aims to assess the relationship between building age and indoor environmental quality and to identify the factors that contribute to differences in environmental performance between older and newer buildings. It is expected to contribute to improved understanding of how ageing, maintenance, refurbishment, and building modifications influence occupant comfort and environmental conditions. The findings can provide useful guidance for architects, facility managers, building owners, and property managers in developing maintenance, renovation, and upgrading strategies that improve the indoor performance of ageing buildings.

Keywords: Building age, Indoor environmental quality, Thermal comfort, Indoor air quality, Building performance, Building maintenance, Ventilation, Daylighting, Acoustic comfort, Building deterioration, Refurbishment, Occupant satisfaction, Environmental performance, Building services.