The EDIAQI project, one of the seven members of the IDEAL Cluster, hosted a workshop at the International Comfort at the Extremes (CATE) Conference 2024, held in Seville, Spain, from 20th to 22nd November 2024. The event brought together global experts, policymakers, and researchers to address climate extremes and their impact on human comfort, with a focus on sustainable solutions and adaptive strategies for high-temperature environments.
The EDIAQI workshop, “How can we convert scientific research into effective policies on indoor air quality?”, welcomed over 110 participants and emphasised the critical need to bridge gaps in public understanding and policymaking on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Given that Europeans spend up to 90% of their time indoors—where air pollution levels can often exceed outdoor thresholds—this issue is more urgent than ever.
Key Highlights
- Indoor Air Quality as a Public Health Priority: IAQ was identified as a critical health issue, warranting attention comparable to outdoor air quality.
- Ventilation Systems: The session underscored the importance of effective natural and mechanical ventilation systems in improving IAQ.
- Low-Cost Sensors: Affordable IAQ monitoring tools were spotlighted as essential for public buildings.
Expert Contributions
The workshop showcased valuable perspectives, including:
- Vanda Jakir, Policy Officer at the European Commission, who highlighted the potential of low-cost sensors in policy frameworks like the Ambient Air Quality Directive.
- Mario Lovrić, Scientific Coordinator of EDIAQI, who elaborated on the project’s role in data-driven policymaking.
- Eva Paulusberger, Researcher at Know-Center, who discussed EDIAQI’s collaborative data platform for informed decision-making.
- Samuel Dominguez Amarillo, Professor of Architecture at the University of Seville, who shared insights on IAQ monitoring in Seville’s public transport systems.
EDIAQI’s Impact
The session showcased EDIAQI’s role in fostering collaboration across sectors and translating research into actionable policies. By addressing the challenges of climate extremes and indoor air quality, EDIAQI continues to lead in creating healthier indoor environments.
Stronger Together
As part of the IDEAL Cluster, the EDIAQI project is strengthened by its connection to six other projects, all focused on indoor air quality, a point that was stressed during the workshop. In particular, the workshop underscored that collectively the IDEAL Cluster tackles the multifaceted challenges of improving IAQ through research, innovation, and policy development. And furthermore, that the collective expertise within the cluster creates a unique platform for sharing insights and solutions, enabling its members to address this critical public health issue more effectively. Ultimately, it is by working collaboratively that the IDEAL Cluster amplifies the impact of each project, demonstrating that progress on IAQ is stronger and more sustainable when approached in a pan-European manner.
Social Media Competition
The workshop also featured a social media competition to engage attendees, culminating in a prize for the best post under the hashtag #EDIAQIWorkshopCATE2024. The winning post by Sotirios Papathanasiou earned a state-of-the-art indoor environmental quality sensor.
Conclusion
The EDIAQI workshop at CATE 2024 exemplifies the power of collaboration within the IDEAL Cluster. As one of seven interconnected projects dedicated to indoor air quality, EDIAQI’s presentation at the conference highlighted its vital role in a larger community addressing IAQ from multiple angles. This “stronger together” approach underscores the importance of uniting research, policy, and practice to tackle IAQ challenges effectively.
Furthermore, the high attendance and engagement at the workshop reaffirm that IAQ is increasingly recognised as a central concern in public health and architecture policy discussions. As the conversation grows, the IDEAL Cluster continues to serve as a model for collective impact, driving forward sustainable solutions for healthier indoor environments. We invite you to explore the IDEAL Cluster composite and its diverse projects to discover how these initiatives collaborate to create meaningful change. Together, we are shaping a healthier, more sustainable future—one project at a time.
