PNNL

Abstract

An understanding of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its effects on occupant well-being can inform building system design and operation. The use of wearables in field studies to collect both subjective and objective well-being data from a large number of occupants could deliver important improvements in IEQ. However, there is a need to develop methods and guidelines for effectively utilizing data from wearables to investigate the relationship between IEQ conditions and occupant well-being. To address this issue, a literature review was conducted to identify dose-response relationships that were assessed using data from wearables in previous IEQ studies. A preliminary benchtop assessment of selected wearable and IEQ sensors was performed to explore important selection criteria and to assess data accessibility. This article demonstrates potentials for collecting both subjective and objective health performance indicators using wearables. These indicators can help better understand the mechanisms by which building systems and the created IEQ conditions can influence occupant well-being. A series of recommendations are outlined to inform future IEQ studies.