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Valentine C. Architectural Allostatic Overloading: Exploring a Connection between Architectural Form and Allostatic Overloading. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095637. [PMID: 37174157 PMCID: PMC10178048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines, conceptually, the relationship between stress-inducing architectural features and allostatic overload by drawing on literature from neuroimmunology and neuroarchitecture. The studies reviewed from the field of neuroimmunology indicate that chronic or repeated exposure to stress-inducing events may overwhelm the body's regulatory system, resulting in a process termed allostatic overload. While there is evidence from the field of neuroarchitecture that short-term exposure to particular architectural features produce acute stress responses, there is yet to be a study on the relationship between stress-inducing architectural features and allostatic load. This paper considers how to design such a study by reviewing the two primary methods used to measure allostatic overload: biomarkers and clinimetrics. Of particular interest is the observation that the clinical biomarkers used to measure stress in neuroarchitectural studies differ substantially from those used to measure allostatic load. Therefore, the paper concludes that while the observed stress responses to particular architectural forms may indicate allostatic activity, further research is needed to determine whether these stress responses are leading to allostatic overload. Consequently, a discrete longitudinal public health study is advised, one which engages the clinical biomarkers indicative of allostatic activity and incorporates contextual data using a clinimetric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleo Valentine
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
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2
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Valentine C. Health Implications of Virtual Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Transferability of Findings from Neuroarchitecture. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2735. [PMID: 36768106 PMCID: PMC9915076 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Virtual architecture has been increasingly relied on to evaluate the health impacts of physical architecture. In this health research, exposure to virtual architecture has been used as a proxy for exposure to physical architecture. Despite the growing body of research on the health implications of physical architecture, there is a paucity of research examining the long-term health impacts of prolonged exposure to virtual architecture. In response, this paper considers: what can proxy studies, which use virtual architecture to assess the physiological response to physical architecture, tell us about the impact of extended exposure to virtual architecture on human health? The paper goes on to suggest that the applicability of these findings to virtual architecture may be limited by certain confounding variables when virtual architecture is experienced for a prolonged period of time. This paper explores the potential impact of two of these confounding variables: multisensory integration and gravitational perception. This paper advises that these confounding variables are unique to extended virtual architecture exposure and may not be captured by proxy studies that aim to capture the impact of physical architecture on human health through acute exposure to virtual architecture. While proxy studies may be suitable for measuring some aspects of the impact of both physical and virtual architecture on human health, this paper argues that they may be insufficient to fully capture the unintended consequences of extended exposure to virtual architecture on human health. Therefore, in the face of the increasing use of virtual architectural environments, the author calls for the establishment of a subfield of neuroarchitectural health research that empirically examines the physiological impacts of extended exposure to virtual architecture in its own right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleo Valentine
- Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PX, UK
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3
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Zhao Y, Xu X, Cai G, Hu Z, Hong Y. Promoting Strategies for Healthy Environments in University Halls of Residence under Regular Epidemic Prevention and Control: An Importance-Performance Analysis from Zhejiang, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16014. [PMID: 36498080 PMCID: PMC9740966 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the post-epidemic era, regular epidemic prevention and control is a daunting and ongoing task for nations all around the world. University halls of residence have been important spaces where university students balance their studies, work, and personal lives after COVID-19. Therefore, a healthy physical living environment deserves more attention. This paper compares situations before and after COVID-19 in an effort to evaluate the impact of indoor environments in university halls of residence on students. The study proposed eight vital dimensions for creating a healthy university hall of residence environment and, from 14 September to 4 October 2022, used an online questionnaire to collect data from 301 university students studying in Zhejiang, China. The key quality of service characteristics for fostering a healthy environment in university halls of residence were discovered using descriptive statistical analysis and revised importance-performance analysis (IPA). We found that an improved indoor physical environment and efficient arrangement of indoor space were crucial for the health of university students. The quality of educational services could be improved, and indoor exercise should be utilized effectively, both of which can contribute significantly to a healthy indoor environment. This study aims to contribute to the development of future initiatives to support healthy physical living environments in university halls of residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xinye Xu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Gangwei Cai
- College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhetao Hu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yan Hong
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Zhejiang Sci–Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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4
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Zhang Y, Liu X, Meng Q, Li B, Caneparo L. Physical environment research of the family ward for a healthy residential environment. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1015718. [PMID: 36311645 PMCID: PMC9606755 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1015718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change and population aging are two of the most important global health challenges in this century. A 2020 study by the Environmental Protection Agency showed that average people, particularly older adults, spent 90% of their time at home. This is even more evident during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Home-based care models have become a new trend. The health and comfort of the living environment profoundly impacts the wellbeing of older adults. Therefore, research on the physical environment of the family wards has become an inevitable part of promoting the health of older adults; however, current research is still lacking. Based on the study and analysis of continuous monitoring data related to elements of the physical environment (thermal comfort, acoustic quality, lighting quality, and indoor air quality) of family wards, this paper explores the living behaviors of the participants in this environmental research (open or closed windows, air conditioning, artificial lighting, and television) on the indoor physical environment. (1) While referring to the requirements of international standards for an indoor aging-friendly physical environment, we also discuss and analyze the physical environment parameter values according to Chinese standards. (2) People's life behaviors have different degrees of influence on the elements of indoor physical environments. For example, opening doors and windows can alleviate the adverse effects of indoor environmental quality on the human body better than simply turning on the air conditioner. (3) Owing to the decline in physical function, older adults need special care. Studying the status quo of physical environmental elements and proposing suitable environmental improvement measures for aging are of great significance. (4) This research aims to address global warming and severe aging and to contribute to sustainable environmental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhang
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy,State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Xiao Liu
| | - Qinglin Meng
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Qinglin Meng
| | - Bin Li
- School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Caneparo
- Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
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5
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Mustaffa N, Kudus S, Aziz M. Key drivers, challenges and strategies towards successful low-carbon campus: the case of UiTM Shah Alam campus. JOURNAL OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jfm-10-2021-0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
There is a growing awareness of the dangers of climate change and global warming due to increasing energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Campus universities are critical for implementing low-carbon development efficiently, given the large population and socio-economic activities concentrated on campus. This paper aims to explore the existing campus management initiatives and recommends holistic driving elements towards successful low-carbon campus development.
Design/methodology/approach
This study’s triangulation of information was supplemented by contributions from 116 respondents on the UiTM Shah Alam campus and eight professional interviews with stakeholders involved in low-carbon campus projects.
Findings
The study reported that low-carbon strategies had been implemented on the UiTM Shah Alam campus, with most existing programmes and activities focusing on low-hanging fruit initiatives. Moreover, the findings indicate that financial, cultural, behavioural, organisational and physical constraints are critical challenges to effectively implementing low-carbon approaches. The proposed techniques suggest that generating green funding, defining clear targets, developing standard procedures for carbon assessment and monitoring, also boosting education and outreach programmes lead to the improvement of low-carbon campus efforts.
Practical implications
The outcomes of this paper offer perspective to campus administration and community into an evaluation of current approaches and strategies for merging low-carbon systems. The effectiveness of low-carbon implementation was ensured by addressing issues concerning low-carbon uptake and fostering low-carbon improvement.
Originality/value
Besides providing a better understanding of techniques to implementing low-carbon development in Malaysia, the critical hurdles and driving factors, the output from this study adds to the existing knowledge available concerning the campus community’s existing comprehension.
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Wang C, Wang J, Norbäck D. A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127393. [PMID: 35742650 PMCID: PMC9223700 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Energy use in buildings can influence the indoor environment. Studies on green buildings, energy saving measures, energy use, fuel poverty, and ventilation have been reviewed, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The database PubMed was searched for articles published up to 1 October 2020. In total, 68 relevant peer-reviewed epidemiological or exposure studies on radon, biological agents, and chemicals were included. The main aim was to assess current knowledge on how energy saving measures and energy use can influence health. The included studies concluded that buildings classified as green buildings can improve health. More efficient heating and increased thermal insulation can improve health in homes experiencing fuel poverty. However, energy-saving measures in airtight buildings and thermal insulation without installation of mechanical ventilation can impair health. Energy efficiency retrofits can increase indoor radon which can cause lung cancer. Installation of a mechanical ventilation systems can solve many of the negative effects linked to airtight buildings and energy efficiency retrofits. However, higher ventilation flow can increase the indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Finally, future research needs concerning energy aspects of buildings and health were identified.
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7
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Hauptman M, Lockley SW, Landrigan CP. Invited Commentary: There's No Place Like Home-Integrating a Place-Based Approach to Understanding Sleep. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:1540-1543. [PMID: 35524716 PMCID: PMC9618158 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Light exposure at night impedes sleep and shifts the circadian clock. An extensive body of literature has linked sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment with cardiac disease, cancer, mental health disorders, and other chronic illnesses, as well as more immediate risks, such as motor vehicle crashes and occupational injuries. In this issue of the Journal, Zhong et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(9):1532-1539) build on this literature, finding that in a cohort of 50,000 California teachers, artificial light at night, noise, green space, and air pollution were all associated with sleep disturbances. Light, noise, air pollution, and the lack of green space are problems inequitably distributed across the population, concentrated among vulnerable populations in inner cities. Zhong et al. provide novel data on the manner in which these local environmental exposures drive sleep deprivation. Future research should explore the degree to which place-based disparities in sleep in turn drive disparities in short and long-term health. Addressing home-based sleep disparities could be an avenue to addressing systemic racism and achieving environmental justice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christopher P Landrigan
- Correspondence to Dr. Christopher P. Landrigan, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (e-mail: )
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8
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Environmental experience design research spectrum for energy and human well-being. HANDBOOK OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9258331 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824084-7.00002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Lan L, Tang J, Wargocki P, Wyon DP, Lian Z. Cognitive performance was reduced by higher air temperature even when thermal comfort was maintained over the 24-28°C range. INDOOR AIR 2022; 32:e12916. [PMID: 34324229 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study managed to create thermal comfort conditions at three temperatures (24°C-T24, 26°C-T26, and 28°C-T28) by adjusting clothing and air velocity. Thirty-six subjects (18 males and 18 females) were exposed to each of the three conditions for 4.5 h in a design balanced for order of presentation of conditions. During each exposure, they rated the physical environment, their comfort, the intensity of acute subclinical health symptoms, and their mental load, and they performed a number of cognitive tasks. Their physiological reactions were monitored. The subjects rated T24 to be comfortably cool, T26 to be comfortably neutral, and T28 to be comfortably warm. Their self-estimated performance did not differ between conditions but 12 of 14 objective metrics of cognitive performance decreased significantly at the elevated temperatures: compared with T24, their average cognitive performance decreased by 10% at T26 and by 6% at T28. At the elevated temperatures, their parasympathetic nervous system activity (as indicated by PNN50) and their arterial blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) were both lower, which would be expected to result in reduced cognitive performance. The subjects also rated their acute subclinical health symptoms as more intense and their workload as higher at the elevated temperatures. These results suggest that where cognitive performance is the priority, it is wise to ensure a comfortably cool environment. The present study also supports the use of fans or natural ventilation to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lan
- Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieyu Tang
- Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- Department of Civil Engineering, International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David P Wyon
- Department of Civil Engineering, International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Zhiwei Lian
- Department of Architecture, School of Design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Wang C, Huertas DS, Rowe JW, Finkelstein R, Carstensen LL, Jackson RB. Rethinking the urban physical environment for century-long lives: from age-friendly to longevity-ready cities. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:1088-1095. [PMID: 35937461 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In response to increasing life expectancies and urbanization, initiatives for age-friendly cities seek to facilitate active and healthy aging by strengthening supports and services for older people. While laudable, these efforts typically neglect early-life exposures that influence long-term well-being. With a focus on the urban physical environment, we argue that longevity-ready cities can accomplish more than initiatives focused solely on old age. We review features of cities that cumulatively influence healthy aging and longevity, discuss the need for proactive interventions in a changing climate, and highlight inequities in the ambient physical environment, especially those encountered at early ages, that powerfully contribute to disparities in later life stages. Compared with strategies aimed largely at accommodating older populations, longevity-ready cities would aim to reduce the sources of disadvantages across the life course and simultaneously improve the well-being of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghao Wang
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Diego Sierra Huertas
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - John W Rowe
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruth Finkelstein
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura L Carstensen
- Stanford Center on Longevity, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert B Jackson
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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11
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Werthmann DW, Rabito FA, Stout DM, Tulve NS, Adamkiewicz G, Calafat AM, Ospina M, Chew GL. Pyrethroid exposure among children residing in green versus non-green multi-family, low-income housing. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:549-559. [PMID: 33677471 PMCID: PMC8140995 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00312-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern about children's chronic low-level pesticide exposure and its impact on health. Green building practices (e.g., reducing leakage of the thermal and pressure barrier that surrounds the structure, integrated pest management, improved ventilation) have the potential to reduce pesticide exposure. However, the potential impact of living in green housing on children's pesticide exposure is unknown. OBJECTIVE To address this question, a longitudinal study of pyrethroid metabolites (3-phenoxybenzoic acid [3-PBA], 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid [4-F-3-PBA], trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid [trans-DCCA]) in first morning void urine, collected from 68 children from New Orleans, Louisiana residing in green and non-green housing was conducted. METHODS Children were followed for 1 year with three repeated measures of pesticide exposure. Generalized estimating equations examined associations between housing type (green vs. non-green) and urinary pyrethroid metabolite concentrations adjusting for demographic and household factors over the year. RESULTS Ninety-five percent of samples had detectable concentrations of 3-PBA (limit of detection [LOD]: 0.1 μg/L); 8% of 4-F-3-PBA (LOD: 0.1 μg/L), and 12% of trans-DCCA (LOD: 0.6 μg/L). In adjusted models, green housing was not associated with statistically significant differences in children's 3-PBA urinary concentrations compared to non-green housing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek W Werthmann
- Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Felicia A Rabito
- Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Daniel M Stout
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Nicolle S Tulve
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Gary Adamkiewicz
- Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Maria Ospina
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ginger L Chew
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Co-Creating Service Concepts for the Built Environment Based on the End-User’s Daily Activities Analysis: KTH Live-in-Lab Explorative Case Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13041942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to synthesize the widely used theories about co-creation from two main perspectives: co-creation as an innovation process and co-creation as a design process applied to the service concept design in the built environment context. The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry do not have much application of end-user-oriented service design in general, especially with intensive co-creation processes. To facilitate such a process, we are using a living lab environment as a laboratorial model of the real built environment, but with the opportunity to have access to the end-users and different types of stakeholders. Using the KTH Live-in-Lab explorative case study, we were able to discuss the concept of co-creation by distinguishing between co-creation as innovation and co-creation as a design process, facilitating the process of co-creation of service concepts for the proposed built environment including methods from both perspectives: innovation and design, and evaluating the process of service concepts co-creation for the built environment from the point of innovation, knowledge transfer, sustainability, and user experience.
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13
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Callway R, Pineo H, Moore G. Understanding the Role of Standards in the Negotiation of a Healthy Built Environment. SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 12:9884. [PMID: 33408880 PMCID: PMC7116544 DOI: 10.3390/su12239884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of international standards promote Healthy Built Environment (HBE) principles which aim to enhance occupant and user health and wellbeing. Few studies examine the implementation of these standards; whether and how they affect health through changes to built-environment design, construction, and operations. This study reviews a set of sustainability and HBE standards, based on a qualitative analysis of standard documents, standard and socio-technical literature on normalization and negotiation, and interviews with 31 practitioners from four geographical regions. The analysis indicates that standards can impact individual, organizational, and market-scale definitions of an HBE. Some changes to practice are identified, such as procurement and internal layout decisions. There is more limited evidence of changes to dominant, short-term decision-making practices related to cost control and user engagement in operational decisions. HBE standards risk establishing narrow definitions of health and wellbeing focused on building occupants rather than promoting broader, contextually situated, principles of equity, inclusion, and ecosystem functioning crucial for health. There is a need to improve sustainability and HBE standards to take better account of local contexts and promote systems thinking. Further examination of dominant collective negotiation processes is required to identify opportunities to better embed standards within organizational practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Callway
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
| | - Helen Pineo
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
| | - Gemma Moore
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering (IEDE), London
WC1H 0NN, UK
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14
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Tamers SL, Streit J, Pana‐Cryan R, Ray T, Syron L, Flynn MA, Castillo D, Roth G, Geraci C, Guerin R, Schulte P, Henn S, Chang C, Felknor S, Howard J. Envisioning the future of work to safeguard the safety, health, and well-being of the workforce: A perspective from the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Am J Ind Med 2020; 63:1065-1084. [PMID: 32926431 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The future of work embodies changes to the workplace, work, and workforce, which require additional occupational safety and health (OSH) stakeholder attention. Examples include workplace developments in organizational design, technological job displacement, and work arrangements; work advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and technologies; and workforce changes in demographics, economic security, and skills. This paper presents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Future of Work Initiative; suggests an integrated approach to address worker safety, health, and well-being; introduces priority topics and subtopics that confer a framework for upcoming future of work research directions and resultant practical applications; and discusses preliminary next steps. All future of work issues impact one another. Future of work transformations are contingent upon each of the standalone factors discussed in this paper and their combined effects. Occupational safety and health stakeholders are becoming more aware of the significance and necessity of these factors for the workplace, work, and workforce to flourish, merely survive, or disappear altogether as the future evolves. The future of work offers numerous opportunities, while also presenting critical but not clearly understood difficulties, exposures, and hazards. It is the responsibility of OSH researchers and other partners to understand the implications of future of work scenarios to translate effective interventions into practice for employers safeguarding the safety, health, and well-being of their workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Tamers
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Jessica Streit
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Rene Pana‐Cryan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Tapas Ray
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Laura Syron
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Spokane Washington USA
| | - Michael A. Flynn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Dawn Castillo
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morgantown West Virginia USA
| | - Gary Roth
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Charles Geraci
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Rebecca Guerin
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Paul Schulte
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Scott Henn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - Chia‐Chia Chang
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Washington District of Columbia USA
| | - Sarah Felknor
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cincinnati Ohio USA
| | - John Howard
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Washington District of Columbia USA
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15
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Zhao L, Qi Y, Luzzatto-Fegiz P, Cui Y, Zhu Y. COVID-19: Effects of Environmental Conditions on the Propagation of Respiratory Droplets. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:7744-7750. [PMID: 32909761 PMCID: PMC7496593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, a detailed understanding on the transmission mechanisms is of paramount importance. The disease transmits mainly through respiratory droplets and aerosol. Although models for the evaporation and trajectory of respiratory droplets have been developed, how the environment impacts the transmission of COVID-19 is still unclear. In this study, we investigate the propagation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles generated by speech under a wide range of temperatures (0-40 °C) and relative humidity (0-92%) conditions. We show that droplets can travel three times farther in low-temperature and high-humidity environment, whereas the number of aerosol particles increases in high-temperature and low-humidity environments. The results also underscore the importance of proper ventilation, as droplets and aerosol spread significantly farther in airstreams. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental impact on COVID-19 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106,
United States
| | - Yuhang Qi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106,
United States
| | - Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106,
United States
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Materials Science and
Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford,
California 94305, United States
- Stanford Institute for Materials and
Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator
Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025,
United States
| | - Yangying Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of California Santa
Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106,
United States
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16
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Zhao L, Qi Y, Luzzatto-Fegiz P, Cui Y, Zhu Y. COVID-19: Effects of Environmental Conditions on the Propagation of Respiratory Droplets. NANO LETTERS 2020; 20:7744-7750. [PMID: 32909761 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.24.20111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread, a detailed understanding on the transmission mechanisms is of paramount importance. The disease transmits mainly through respiratory droplets and aerosol. Although models for the evaporation and trajectory of respiratory droplets have been developed, how the environment impacts the transmission of COVID-19 is still unclear. In this study, we investigate the propagation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles generated by speech under a wide range of temperatures (0-40 °C) and relative humidity (0-92%) conditions. We show that droplets can travel three times farther in low-temperature and high-humidity environment, whereas the number of aerosol particles increases in high-temperature and low-humidity environments. The results also underscore the importance of proper ventilation, as droplets and aerosol spread significantly farther in airstreams. This study contributes to the understanding of the environmental impact on COVID-19 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Yuhang Qi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
| | - Yangying Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
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17
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee N Salas
- Harvard Global Health Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward Maibach
- Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - David Pencheon
- Medical and Health School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Nick Watts
- Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change, London, UK
| | - Howard Frumkin
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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18
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Kvasnicka J, Cohen Hubal E, Ladan J, Zhang X, Diamond ML. Transient Multimedia Model for Investigating the Influence of Indoor Human Activities on Exposure to SVOCs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:10772-10782. [PMID: 32786603 PMCID: PMC8637498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that human occupants indoors, through their presence and activities, can influence the dynamics of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). To better understand these dynamics, a transient multimedia human exposure model was developed (Activity-Based Indoor Chemical Assessment Model (ABICAM)). This model parametrizes mass-balance equations as functions of time-dependent human activities. As a case study, ABICAM simulated exposures of an archetypal adult and toddler over 24 h to diethyl phthalate (DEP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBzP), and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) that span a wide range of gas-particle partitioning tendencies. Under baseline (no activities beyond respiration), the toddler's time-average internal doses were three to four times higher than the adult's, due to differences in physical human attributes (e.g., inhalation rate). When time-dependent activities were considered, interindividual (e.g., adult vs toddler) variability was accentuated by up to a factor of 3 for BBzP. Activities with the greatest influence on time-average internal dose were showering (-71% for BBzP), cooking (+27% for DEHP), and sleeping (-26% for DEHP). Overall, the results support the hypotheses that (1) transient indoor activities can give rise to intraindividual variability in estimated internal doses of SVOCs, and (2) interindividual variability in such exposure can result from differences in activity patterns and physical human attributes, according to a compound's physical-chemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Kvasnicka
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Elaine Cohen Hubal
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Environmental Protection Agency, Durham, North Carolina 27701, United States
| | - John Ladan
- Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Xianming Zhang
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B1, Canada
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19
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Palacios J, Eichholtz P, Kok N. Moving to productivity: The benefits of healthy buildings. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236029. [PMID: 32760082 PMCID: PMC7410200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health is a critical factor for the generation of value by workers. Companies bear substantial costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism among their employees. This study investigates the impact of the environmental conditions in the workplace on the health and job satisfaction of employees, as core factors of productivity. We provide evidence based on a natural experiment, in which 70% of the workforce of a municipality in the Netherlands was relocated to a building with a design focused on sustainability and health and well-being. We construct a longitudinal dataset based on individual surveys of the entire municipality workforce and include measures before and after the move. The estimation results show a significant improvement in the perceived environmental conditions, as well as in the health and well-being of the relocated workers, measured by the drop in incidence of sick building syndrome symptoms. Results are heterogeneous based on age: older groups of employees enjoy larger health impacts. The relocation effects remain persistent in the medium term (two years after the moving date). Importantly, a mediation analysis suggests that the achieved improvements in health and well-being lead to significantly enhanced job satisfaction and a 2% reduction in the prevalence of sick leave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Palacios
- Center for Real Estate, Department Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- IZA, Bonn, Germany
| | - Piet Eichholtz
- Department of Finance, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Kok
- Department of Finance, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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20
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health and climate change are inexorably linked through the exacerbation of health risks and the contribution of the health sector to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate action in healthcare settings is critical to reduce risks and impacts of climate change through the smarter use of energy, minimising waste and enhancing disaster preparedness. Globally, hospital climate action is growing; however, the potential for further progress and impacts remains. The literature on this topic lacks synthesis, and this poses challenges for hospital leadership in tracking the impact of climate action. This scoping review will summarise the current knowledge about hospital climate action and existing tools to measure progress in this area. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review will be conducted applying the six-stage protocol proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. The study includes literature of how hospitals have addressed climate change (mitigation and adaptation) since the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997. All identified studies indexed in Medline, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL will be examined. The search strategy will also include Google Scholar to capture relevant grey literature. Quantitative and thematic analysis will be used to evaluate and categorise the study results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This scoping review is part of the climate-smart healthcare initiative which will provide a valuable synthesis to aid understanding of hospitals' climate actions, and tools used to measure its implementation. As such it will contribute to mobilising and accelerating the implementation of climate action in hospitals. The findings will be disseminated with all members of the International Health Promoting Hospital and Health Services (HPH) and the Global Green and Healthy Hospital network. Dissemination will occur through peer-reviewed publications; and with the HPH and GGHH members through its annual conference and newsletter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Cai Ru Gan
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicola Banwell
- Cooperation and Development, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, VD, Switzerland
| | | | - Cordia Chu
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ying Wei Wang
- Health Promotion Administration Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei City, Taiwan
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21
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Yin J, Arfaei N, MacNaughton P, Catalano PJ, Allen JG, Spengler JD. Effects of biophilic interventions in office on stress reaction and cognitive function: A randomized crossover study in virtual reality. INDOOR AIR 2019; 29:1028-1039. [PMID: 31418925 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Biophilia hypothesis suggests humans have an innate connection to nature which may affect our health and productivity. Yet we currently live in a world that is rapidly urbanizing with people spending most of their time indoors. We designed a randomized crossover study to let 30 participants experience three versions of biophilic design in simulated open and enclosed office spaces in virtual reality (VR). Throughout the VR session, we measured blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin conductance level and administered cognitive tests to measure their reaction time and creativity. Compared to the base case, participants in three spaces with biophilic elements had consistently lower level of physiological stress indicators and higher creativity scores. In addition, we captured the variation in the intensity of virtual exposure to biophilic elements by using eye-tracking technology. These results suggest that biophilic interventions could help reduce stress and improve creativity. Moreover, those effects are related to both the types of biophilic elements and may be different based on the workspace type (open vs enclosed). This research demonstrates that VR-simulated office spaces are useful in differentiating responses to two configurations and among biophilic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Population Health Sciences Program, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nastaran Arfaei
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Piers MacNaughton
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul J Catalano
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Abstract
Adaptation is a critical option to cope with climate change, as it alleviates the residual climate damages not avoided by emission reduction measures. However, adaptive actions can consume extra amounts of energy. This paper introduces a framework to identify the energy use associated with adaptation and qualifies its relevance in terms of sustainable development. A qualitative, bottom-up analysis of the policy commitments submitted in the context of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 UN Agenda for sustainable development is complemented with a review of the literature on adaptation, energy, and sustainable development. The analysis of the policy options related to vulnerability reduction in the Nationally Determined Contributions reveals a set of recurring adaptation strategies strongly associated with energy use. By linking the resulting options to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets and indicators, we show that energy-related adaptation options are all connected to at least one SDG, though the strength of the connection varies across adaptation options and SDGs. The descriptive synthesis provided in this paper sets a framework for future research aimed at assessing the energy implications of adaptation strategies, contributing to further understand the nexus between climate policy and development.
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23
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Williams AA, Spengler JD, Catalano P, Allen JG, Cedeno-Laurent JG. Building Vulnerability in a Changing Climate: Indoor Temperature Exposures and Health Outcomes in Older Adults Living in Public Housing during an Extreme Heat Event in Cambridge, MA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E2373. [PMID: 31277359 PMCID: PMC6651653 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the Northeastern U.S., future heatwaves will increase in frequency, duration, and intensity due to climate change. A great deal of the research about the health impacts from extreme heat has used ambient meteorological measurements, which can result in exposure misclassification because buildings alter indoor temperatures and ambient temperatures are not uniform across cities. To characterize indoor temperature exposures during an extreme heat event in buildings with and without central air conditioning (AC), personal monitoring was conducted with 51 (central AC, n = 24; non-central AC, n = 27) low-income senior residents of public housing in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2015, to comprehensively assess indoor temperatures, sleep, and physiological outcomes of galvanic skin response (GSR) and heart rate (HR), along with daily surveys of adaptive behaviors and health symptoms. As expected, non-central AC units (Tmean = 25.6 °C) were significantly warmer than those with central AC (Tmean = 23.2 °C, p < 0.001). With higher indoor temperatures, sleep was more disrupted and GSR and HR both increased (p < 0.001). However, there were no changes in hydration behaviors between residents of different buildings over time and few moderate/several health symptoms were reported. This suggests both a lack of behavioral adaptation and thermal decompensation beginning, highlighting the need to improve building cooling strategies and heat education to low-income senior residents, especially in historically cooler climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusta A Williams
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John D Spengler
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Paul Catalano
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jose G Cedeno-Laurent
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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24
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Abel DW, Holloway T, Martínez-Santos J, Harkey M, Tao M, Kubes C, Hayes S. Air Quality-Related Health Benefits of Energy Efficiency in the United States. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:3987-3998. [PMID: 30835995 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While it is known that energy efficiency (EE) lowers power sector demand and emissions, study of the air quality and public health impacts of EE has been limited. Here, we quantify the air quality and mortality impacts of a 12% summertime (June, July, and August) reduction in baseload electricity demand. We use the AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT) to simulate plant-level generation and emissions, the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to simulate air quality, and the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP) to quantify mortality impacts. We find EE reduces emissions of NO x by 13.2%, SO2 by 12.6%, and CO2 by 11.6%. On a nationwide, summer average basis, ambient PM2.5 is reduced 0.55% and O3 is reduced 0.45%. Reduced exposure to PM2.5 avoids 300 premature deaths annually (95% CI: 60 to 580) valued at $2.8 billion ($0.13 billion to $9.3 billion), and reduced exposure to O3 averts 175 deaths (101 to 244) valued at $1.6 billion ($0.15 billion to $4.5 billion). This translates into a health savings rate of $0.049/kWh ($0.031/kWh for PM2.5 and $0.018/kWh for O3). These results illustrate the importance of capturing the health benefits of EE and its potential as a strategy to achieve air standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Abel
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53726 , United States
| | - Tracey Holloway
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53726 , United States
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Javier Martínez-Santos
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53726 , United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Monica Harkey
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53726 , United States
| | - Madankui Tao
- Nelson Institute Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment , University of Wisconsin - Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53726 , United States
| | - Cassandra Kubes
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy , Washington , D.C. 20045 , United States
| | - Sara Hayes
- American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy , Washington , D.C. 20045 , United States
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25
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The Spatial and Temporal Variability of the Indoor Environmental Quality during Three Simulated Office Studies at a Living Lab. BUILDINGS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings9030062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The living lab approach to building science research provides the ability to accurately monitor occupants and their environment and use the resulting data to evaluate the impact that various components of the built environment have on human comfort, health, and well-being. A hypothesized benefit of the living lab approach is the ability to simulate the real indoor environment in an experimentally controlled setting over relatively long periods of time, overcoming a significant hurdle encountered in many chamber-type experimental designs that rarely reflect typical indoor environments. Here, we present indoor environmental quality measurements from a network of sensors as well as building system design and operational data demonstrating the ability of a living lab to realistically simulate a wide range of environmental conditions in an office setting by varying air temperature, lighting, façade control, and sound masking in a series of three human subject experiments. The temporal variability of thermal and lighting conditions was assessed on an hourly basis and demonstrated the significant impact of façade design and control on desk-level measurements of both factors. Additional factors, such as desk layout and building system design (e.g., luminaires, speaker system), also contributed significantly to spatial variability in air temperature, lighting, and sound masking exposures, and this variability was reduced in latter experiments by optimizing desk layout and building system design. While ecologically valid experimental conditions are possible with a living lab, a compromise between realism and consistency in participant experience must often be found by, for example, using an atypical desk layout to reduce spatial variability in natural light exposure. Based on the experiences from these three studies, experimental design and environmental monitoring considerations for future office-based living lab experiments are explored.
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