Some Observed Effects of Green Mark on indoor environmental quality, occupant perception, satisfaction and health indication based on the same cohort moving from a non-Green Mark-rated office to a Green Mark Platinum-rated office in Singapore: A case stu dy

摘要

The effects of Green Mark (a building environmental assessment scheme adopted in Singapore) on indoor environmental quality, occupant perception, satisfaction and prevalence of sick building syndrome symptoms is examined through a case study. A cohort of office workers (n=30) moving from a non-rated office to a Platinum-rated office in December 2014 were surveyed using the same survey instrument. Concurrently, the indoor environment quality and ventilation rate were measured over a 1 week period, with prior approval from the office management and the facilities manager of the buildings. The study was undertaken 3 months prior to the move, and then 1 year after the move. Compared to the non-rated office, the Green Mark Platinum rated office after the relocation provided significantly low PM2.5 levels and bacteria counts. Although air change rate was lowered by 20% after the relocation, occupants expressed better perception, higher satisfaction and significantly lower SBS symptoms. The following may be contributing factors to these improvement : (i) better filtration of the ACMV system, (ii) better spatial organization and orientation sense, (iii) enhanced visual environment and connectivity with the exterior, (iv) enhanced greenery features and green plants within the office. Some underlying adverse factors including work stress and inadequate visual and acoustic privacy remain to be addressed.