Glasgow and Scotland have high rates of chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
The Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit (MEARU) at Glasgow School of Art is working with clinical research specialists in respiratory disease to research the potential health effects of energy efficient architecture practices and ventilation strategies. Poor indoor air quality, particularly in bedrooms, is hard for people to detect, and and a better understanding is needed of how build up of CO2, volatile organic compounds and other pollutants can affect residents’ health.
Recent work has led to the significant expansion of MEARU, widening its portfolio of expertise to include: health and wellbeing in buildings; indoor air quality; energy efficient refurbishment; and building performance evaluation.
The unit is well networked with similar European partners, is represented on the International Energy Agency, ISES Europe and publishes regularly at the Eurosun, PLEA, Healthy Buildings and WREC conference circuits. This activity contributes greatly to the learning and teaching culture of The Glasgow School of Art and has also established the Centre as a significant global research player in scientific and architectural circles.
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