Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
Carbon Dioxide Sensors
The environment, including the workplace, has an important impact on a person's health. Maintaining a healthy and
comfortable indoor environment in any building requires integrating many components of a complex system.
The broader topic of indoor environmental quality involves an assessment of the building performance for thermal
comfort, air quality, visual comfort and lighting quality, as well as the ease of control for building services systems.
The Operations Centre's indoor environment
© Larry McFarland Architects Limited (with permission)/ 2006
CO 2 sensors and outside view of building
© Larry McFarland Architects Limited (with permission)/ 2005
Carbon dioxide is not generally found at hazardous levels in an indoor environment, yet it is often measured when trying to determine the indoor air quality of a building. The reason is that it is a good surrogate measure of how well the ventilation system is working in relation to the number of occupants.
In the Gulf Island Park Reserve Operations Centre, carbon dioxide sensors are located throughout the building. When an increased level of C0 2 is detected in a room, the building control system provides fresh air to that room.
Operable Windows and Daylight
The building has been planned so that all workstations and offices have operable windows and an abundance of natural light.
Research shows that the use of operable windows in office settings keep occupants comfortable and more satisfied by allowing them to control their access to fresh air.
Natural Ventilation
The open plan and atrium design of the building design encourages natural ventilation.
Motorized louvres are located at roof level and are controlled by the mechanical digital control system. The louvres are opened automatically when the system senses that the outdoor air temperature and conditions are appropriate.
Motorized louvre on the roof of the building
© Larry McFarland Architects Limited (with permission)/ 2006
Emissions from Materials and Finishes
Finishes and materials used in the interior of the building were selected for use based upon low volatile organic chemicals emissions, durability and cost. Products include:
- Adhesives & Sealants
- Paints and coatings
- Carpet
- Composite Wood and Laminate adhesives
Construction Indoor Air Quality Management
During Construction:
An Indoor Air Quality Management plan was developed at the beginning of the construction process to ensure that acceptable construction procedures and sequencing were followed. This included no smoking once the building was closed in and protection of materials from the weather.
Post Construction: Building Flush Out
The building was flushed out prior to occupancy to help remove contaminants in the air.
Photograph of building inside (Atrium)
© Larry McFarland Architects Limited (with permission)/ 2005
Controllability of Systems:
All occupied rooms are equipped with multiple controls designed to allow occupants to have a high level of control over their indoor environment. These controls include:
- Individual Lighting controls
- Controls for both temperature and fresh air
- Openable windows
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