Sustainable and safe living environments in buildings post corona

Research Project, 2025 – 2029

Management of air in indoor environments is a critical part of buildings´ infrastructure and essential to, among other things, ensure people´s well-being, reduce the risk of infection and protect our food.
However, there are significant knowledge gaps, particularly around airborne biological particles. The primary aim of this project is to reduce these knowledge gaps and thereby contribute to sustainable, resource-efficient and safe indoor environments.We will conduct comprehensive assessment of air quality, including biological aerosol particles and climate variables, in three critical environments: hospitals (neonatal care), schools (canteen) and livestock farming. The studies will include interventions with air cleaners. During the measurements, we use a range of techniques to assess the indoor climate, ventilation and airborne particles, bacteria and viruses. We are also develop samplers for more efficient collection of bioaerosol in the built environment.Additionally, controlled laboratory experiments are carried out to assess virus infectivity and air quality, with a particular focus on CO2 and air humidity. Finally, the experimental results are integrated into a computer model for the generalization of the data to more types of indoor environments.By providing key data on indoor air regulation and biological exposure, the research in this project will contribute to better control of biological particles and more resource-efficient design and operation of buildings.