An analysis of the indoor air quality and mould growth in a multi-zone building

The effects of poor indoor air quality and mould growth in working environment are major problems in built environment, and there is a need to look for improvement of the health, comfort and productivity of the building occupants. Airborne mould sampling studies were conducted in a reference building located in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia. Both indoor culturable and mould spore levels were observed. It was found through the indoor–outdoor ratios of the species that indoor concentrations are mostly related to the outdoor mould levels. The moulds differ in their relative humidity and temperature requirements to support surface growth. Indoor humidity has a significant effect on occupants comfort, perceived air quality, occupants’ health, building durability, emissions and energy efficiency. Practical hygrothermal simulation models are employed to analyse the combined heat and moisture behaviour within the built environment. A review of the current modelling options available to predict building performance based on energy and mass transport simulation is presented, and then a case study is presented with the assessment of indoor built environment to avoid mould problem.