Bayesian updates for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) acceptance model for residential buildings

Abstract

An accurate indoor environmental quality (IEQ) model is essential to design and maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Due to the complexity of IEQ modelling and subjective nature of IEQ responses, there is a need to update the subjective–objective relationship of IEQ model when new information is available. In this study, a Bayesian approach for IEQ model updating is proposed to systematically relate new subjective IEQ responses towards the environment to the existing beliefs. With a selected target sample size and an acceptable error, the statistical significance of data is evaluated and incorporated into the updated IEQ model. Bayesian updating framework is able to enhance the accuracy of IEQ prediction and shall be a useful tool for managerial decision-making in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.