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To assess risk factors for COVID-19 transmission and address the closure of mass gathering events since March 2020, the UK Government ran the Events Research Programme (ERP), following which it reopened live events in sports, music, and culture in July 2021. We report the rapid post-occupancy evaluation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and associated long-range airborne transmission risk conducted in the Environmental Study of the ERP. Ten large venues around the UK were monitored with CO2 sensors at a high spatial and temporal resolution during 90 events. An IAQ Index based on CO2 concentration was developed, and all monitored spaces were classified in bands from A to G based on their average and maximum CO2 concentrations from all events. High resolution monitoring and the IAQ Index depicted the overall state of ventilation at live events, and allowed identification of issues with ventilation effectiveness and distribution, and of spaces with poor ventilation and the settings in which long-range airborne transmission risk may be increased. In numerous settings, CO2 concentrations were found to follow patterns relating to event management and specific occupancy of spaces around the venues. Good ventilation was observed in 90% of spaces monitored for given occupancies. Practical applications: High-resolution monitoring of indoor CO2 concentrations is necessary to detect the spatial variation of indoor air quality (IAQ) in large mass gathering event venues. The paper summarises COVID-19 ventilation guidance for buildings and defines a methodology for measurement and rapid assessment of IAQ during occupancy at live events that can be implemented by venue managers. Comparisons of the CO2 concentrations measured during the events identified the spaces at high risk of long-range transmission of airborne pathogens. Building operators should be mindful of the ventilation strategies used relative to the total occupancy in different spaces and the occupant's activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model-predictive control (MPC) has recently excited much interest as a new control paradigm for non-domestic buildings. Since it is based on the notion of optimization, MPC is, in principle, well placed to deliver significant energy savings and reductions in CO2emissions compared with existing rule-based control systems. The prospects for buildings MPC are critically reviewed, in particular, the central role of the predictive mathematical model that lies at its heart. The emphasis is on practical implementation rather than control-theoretic aspects, and covers the role of occupants as well as the form of the predictive model. The most appropriate structure for such a model is still an open question, which is considered alongside the development of the initial model, and the process of updating the model during the building's operational life. The importance of sensor placement is highlighted alongside the possibility of updating the model with occupants’ comfort perception. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for research on the automated creation and updating of predictive models if MPC is to become an economically viable control method for non-domestic buildings. More evidence through operating full-scale buildings with MPC is required to demonstrate the viability of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Global water demand is expected to outstrip supply dramatically by 2030, making water recycling an important tool for future water security. A large combined grey water and rainwater recycling system has been monitored in response to an identified knowledge gap of the in-use performance of such systems. The water saving efficiency of the system was calculated at −8ṡ5% in 2011 and -10% in 2012 compared to the predicted 36%. This was due to a lower quantity of grey water and rainwater being collected than the system filter required to backwash alone. Top-up potable water was therefore required to complete the backwash process and flush WCs and urinals. The efficiency of the filter itself was calculated at 0ṡ68, much lower than current figures used in grey water saving predictions. Using direct mains water with no recycling system would be more efficient in this case, highlighting the importance of realistic system analysis before future installations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates Smart Grid Optimised Buildings (SGOBs) which can respond to real-time electricity prices by utilising battery storage systems (BSS). Different building design characteristics are assessed to evaluate the impact on energy use, the interaction with the battery, and potential for peak load shifting. Two extreme cases based on minimum and maximum annual energy consumption were selected for further investigation to assess their capability of utilising BSS to perform arbitrage, under real-time pricing. Three operational dispatch strategies were modelled to allow buildings to provide such services. The most energy-efficient building was capable of shifting a higher percentage of its peak loads and export more electricity, when this is allowed. When using the biggest battery (220 kWh) to only meet the building loads, the energy-efficient building was able to shift 39.68% of its original peak loads in comparison to the 33.95% of the least efficient building. With exports allowed, the shifting percentages went down to 31.76% and 29.46%, respectively, while exports of 18.08 and 16.34 kWh/m2 took place. The formation of a regulatory framework is vital in order to establish proper motives for buildings to undertake an active role in the smart grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]