This study analyzed policy measures to comprehensively achieve two goals: carbon neutrality in buildings and optimization of indoor air quality. While buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and present-day individuals spend 90% of their daily lives indoors, both goals are critically important. However, these objectives often conflict with each other, and current policies have limitations in effectively addressing this complex relationship. Analysis of related policies, including the Green Building Creation Support Act and the Indoor Air Quality Management Act, revealed significant drawbacks such as the lack of an integrated approach due to policy fragmentation, insufficient consideration of lifecycle carbon emissions, imbalance in economic incentive structures, and rigidity in technical standards. To overcome these challenges, this study proposes innovative improvement measures, including the following: establishing an integrated policy framework, introducing a multi-layered air quality management system, expanding performance-based design that simultaneously considers energy efficiency and indoor air quality, developing region-specific policies, implementing AI-based self-assessment systems, mandating green space ratios, controlling high-radon concentration areas, and expanding government incentives.

Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) has been known as greater duckweed or great duckmeat. It is native inhabited in Korea. It is considered as a rich source of primary metabolites including protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Thus, it is considered as an alternative food source for the future. In addition, it has a strong phytoremediation capacity to remove various environmental pollutants, especially inorganic elements and pesticides. With a variety of duckweed’s application, there is an urgent need to develop a cultivation method for a sustainable supply of S. polyrhiza. In this study, an indoor vertical farm has been introduced to optimize duckweed cultivation. Indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza showed about 2-fold higher fresh weight than outdoor cultivated duckweed. Contents of inorganic elements were also significantly reduced in indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza. Especially, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) were approximately 10-fold decreased in indoor cultivated duckweed. On the other hand, contents of proteins and fats were significantly increased in indoor cultivated S. polyrhiza, while carbohydrates were found more in outdoor cultivated S. polyrhiza. Increasing N content in a homemade nutrition solution also enhanced fresh and dried weights of S. polyrhiza by about 1.8-fold in comparison with other commercial nutrition solutions. Proliferation rate (%) was doubled every 24 hours in this indoor vertical farm, indicating the accomplishment of a sustainable supply for S. polyrhiza. Further studies need to be undertaken to cultivate other duckweeds such as Wolffia arrhiza and Lemna minor using the same indoor farming system.

This study examined the influence of multiple factors—particularly occupant presence and air purifier operation—on indoor PM2.5 concentrations across 104 households in the Seoul metropolitan area. Both indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations were continuously monitored and integrated with time-specific survey data to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of indoor exposure. Results showed that occupant presence significantly elevated indoor PM2.5 concentrations, especially during periods of high activity (08:00~15:00 and 18:00~20:00). The indoor/outdoor (I/ O) concentration ratio was also significantly higher during these periods, indicating that occupant activities were a major contributor to indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Air purifier use was found to be associated with a consistent reduction in indoor PM2.5 concentrations, regardless of occupancy status. Notably, the I/O ratio also decreased when air purifiers were in operation, demonstrating their effectiveness in controlling both indoor emissions and the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. These findings provide empirical evidence of the multifactorial dynamics governing indoor PM2.5 exposure and highlight the importance of occupant-centered and time-specific strategies for effective residential air quality management.

Before the fire brigade arrives at the scene, the fastest way for occupants to suppress a fire is by discharging water through indoor hydrant outlets equipped with electronically controlled valves or motorized valves, as these systems are designed to open automatically. The experimental results are as follows: (1) Regarding electronically controlled valve operation times, system A had the shortest activation time of 6.74 seconds after the fire signal, while system J recorded the longest time at 13.4 seconds. (2) For angle valves (older model), system A had the shortest operation time of 10.2 seconds, whereas system I recorded the longest at 17.8 seconds. (3) For angle valves (newer model), system A again had the shortest activation time of 10.2 seconds, while system I recorded the longest at 17.8 seconds. (4) For motorized valve operation times, system A had the shortest activation time of 3.81 seconds, and system I the longest at 6.55 seconds. The observed differences in operation times are attributed to the fact that angle valves require manual operation by occupants, causing delays and slower valve opening, which increases activation times. In contrast, electronically controlled valves and motorized valves operate automatically, resulting in significantly shorter activation times.

This study evaluated changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aerosol particle concentrations following the use of certain spray-type household chemical products in an indoor environment. Four commercially available products in South Korea (including sticker/tar removers, a razor cleaner, and a fabric stain remover) were analyzed using real-time VOC monitoring with proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) and particle number concentration measurement with an Optical Particle Sizer. Immediately after spraying 17 grams of each product, VOC concentrations increased sharply, and hazardous substances such as benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and acrolein remained at elevated levels for a certain period. Additionally, some products exhibited benzene concentrations exceeding levels of potential exposure concern, and the operation of an air purifier reduced VOC levels by 73%. This research provides insight into changes in indoor air quality and associated exposure risks due to household chemical use, and it may serve as a basis for future air quality management and regulatory standards.

In this study, the initial operation characteristics of a multi-type cooling system with three indoor units using an inverter compressor were investigated experimentally using a calorimeter. The operating characteristics of the cooling system were confirmed under the full load condition of simultaneous operation of three rooms and the partial load condition of individual operation of two or one room under the standard cooling conditions. The capacities of A, B and C are 50, 20, and 30% of the total capacity, respectively. The 3 room combination has 100% capacity, the 2 room combination has 50, 70 and 80% capacity, and the 1 room has 20, 30, and 50% capacity. The compressor condensing and evaporating pressures, the electronic expansion valve openings of indoor units A, B, and C, and the compressor operating frequencies were measured for 10 minutes after the cooling system was started. During the initial operation, the changes in the operating time and opening of the electronic expansion valve varied depending on the indoor unit combination and the operating load, and the relationship between the compressor pressure and the operating frequency was found.

This study analyzed IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring data in a cooking room at a high school in Seoul. As a result of measuring the type and concentration change of cooking fumes generated during roasting, frying, and stir-fry, each cooking method showed a different pattern. Some cooking fumes were observed high during the distribution process, not during cooking, and it is necessary to observe and control indoor air quality during the entire process of cooking, storage, and distribution as well as various elements of cooking fumes. Through these results, we propose the addition of an IoT-based real-time indoor air quality monitoring system and ventilation facilities linked to it.

The importance of indoor air quality has significantly increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the energy consumption of a ventilation system based on various operating methods considering indoor and outdoor conditions. From March to May 2024, experiments were conducted on ventilation systems installed in a hospital in Incheon, comparing the experimental and control groups. The results showed that using the bypass mode in the experimental group reduced total energy consumption by 25.34% compared to the control group. Additionally, utilizing the air-cleaner mode further reduced energy use. This study demonstrates that optimal use of bypass and air-cleaner modes can enhance energy efficiency. Further research is needed to verify long-term applicability under diverse conditions.

The Indoor Air Quality Control Act aims to regulate indoor air quality (IAQ) to safeguard public health and promote a comfortable living environment. This law encompasses multi-use facilities, newly constructed residential complexes, and public transportation vehicles. The law also involves mandating air quality standards, conducting periodic measurements, and transparent public reporting of results. Over time, the Indoor Air Quality Control Act has expanded to enforce stricter controls on building materials and enhance radon mitigation measures. In doing so, it embodies the principles of the Environmental Policy Basic Act and is supported by other laws, policies, and systems related to air quality management. In line with these efforts, local governments have been implementing IAQ initiatives tailored to regional needs, including consulting services and financial support. However, challenges persist in harmonizing management across diverse facilities due to overlapping responsibilities among laws and government bodies. Future recommendations emphasize integrated strategies and enhanced inter-agency coordination to address these gaps effectively, ensuring healthier indoor environments for all stakeholders.

This study aims to prepare bamboo-based activated carbons with surface modifications, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2) capture in public indoor spaces. The surface of the activated carbon adsorbents was chemically modified through three steps: carbonization, steam activation, and chemical treatment using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium sulfamate (KSO3NH2). The specific surface area and pore volume of the obtained adsorbent (BSAC-KN) were 1,246 m2/g and 0.74 cm3/g, respectively. The surface modification resulted in an adsorption capacity of up to 3.79 mmol-CO2/ g-AC for carbon dioxide. In addition, the expansion of the specific surface area and the enhanced physico-chemical interaction between the weak acidic CO2 molecules and the basic AC surface improved adsorption capacity.

Indoor air quality is a critical factor affecting health and quality of life, especially in spaces frequently used by sensitive populations such as adolescents. This study assessed the impact of garden ball installations and electrochemical fertilizer applications on indoor air quality in two youth centers, Center S and Center W, located in Bucheon, South Korea. PM2.5, PM10, and CO2 concentrations were monitored and analyzed based on the presence of garden balls and the use of electrochemical fertilizers. The results showed that spaces with garden balls (w/ G.B.) had significantly lower PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations compared to offices and spaces without garden balls (w/o G.B.). In Center W, the presence of garden balls alone improved air quality, highlighting the potential of vertical greening as a sustainable solution. In Center S, the application of electrochemical fertilizers during the “after + period” (when both garden balls and electrochemical fertilizers were applied) further enhanced particulate matter reduction, demonstrating the fertilizers’ ability to amplify plants’ air-purifying effects. This study provides empirical evidence that garden balls are an eco-friendly option for indoor air quality management. Combining electrochemical fertilizers with garden balls shows promise for enhancing air quality, offering a practical model for multi-use facilities such as youth centers.

Mold caused by indoor temperature and humidity is related to inflammatory reactions such as rhinitis, asthma, and allergic skin diseases. The subjects were children aged 3-7 in Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. For indoor environmental measurement, a mold collection medium was installed on the sampling device and samples were collected at 28.3 L/min for 7 minutes. The sampling device was installed at a height of 1.2 m to 1.5 m above the ground to collect samples. The demographic characteristics of the children in the 90 households that participated in the survey were 53 males (58.9%) and 37 females (41.1%). The majority of the children were 5 years old (26 people or 28.9%), followed by 6 year olds (23 people or 25.6%), 7 year olds (18 people or 20.0%), 4 year olds (18 people or 20.0%), and 8 year olds (5 people or 5.6%). Among the characteristics listed on the questionnaire, 11 children (12.2%) were diagnosed with asthma, and 63 subjects (70%) had not been diagnosed by a doctor in the past 12 months. Regarding symptoms exhibited by the parents, 4 fathers (4.5%) and 2 mothers (2.2%) had symptoms. In the relationship between asthma and the concentration of other indoor environmental substances, the average concentration of mold was 57.0 CFU/m3 for non-asthmatics and 14.5 CFU/m3 for asthmatics, showing a statistically significant difference. The average concentration of house dust mites was 338.9 ng/g in non-asthmatics and 79.5 ng/g in asthmatics, showing a statistically significant difference.

Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to identify problems such as cooking fumes and lack of ventilation in school cafeterias and evaluate the improvement in the reduction of indoor pollutants in the cooking rooms through renovation. Methods: Three schools were selected for renovation and the spatial structures and air conditioning system of the cafeterias and cooking rooms wre investigated after renovation. The air conditioning systems were improved by the renovation work according to the characteristics of each school, and the concentration of indoor pollutants was measured and evaluated through CFD analysis. Results: The concentration of indoor pollutants in the cafeterias and cafe rooms was decreased after renovation. Conclusion: Air conditioning systems in the schools cafeterias and cooking rooms were improved in order to solve the problems of ventilation, and the indoor air quality improvement rate ranged from a minimum of 11% to a maximum of 40%. The renovation of cafeterias and cooking rooms was conducted to optimize the ventilation systems and this contributed to indoor air quality improvement by preventing the inflow of pollutants.