PHRC Webinars

Advancing Indoor Air Quality Strategies in Residential Building Design [Archive]

1/13/2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Instructor: Christopher Hine (Associate Director, Pennsylvania Housing Research Center)

Handouts

Link to Webinar: https://youtu.be/BtPXBSgZucs

Description

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the first—and arguably most critical—topic within the broader concept of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), which includes thermal comfort, acoustics, and lighting. This session introduces a structured approach to IAQ planning in residential design, tailored for Pennsylvania’s climate and construction practices. Using the IAQ Guide and Checklist for Architects, participants will learn how to assess occupant health needs, identify pollutant sources, and integrate ventilation, filtration, and material choices into the design process. The session emphasizes practical strategies to promote healthier, safer, and more comfortable living environments while aligning with sustainability and wellness priorities.

Learning Objectives

1. Assess how occupant health concerns—such as respiratory conditions or chemical sensitivities—should inform IAQ-focused residential design strategies in Pennsylvania’s varied climate.
2. Identify common indoor pollutant sources based on lifestyle activities, materials, and building systems, and develop appropriate architectural responses such as source control, filtration, and fresh air ventilation.
3. Evaluate the trade-offs between health-driven IAQ design features and other project constraints (budget, aesthetics, energy goals), and select solutions that maximize occupant health and safety.
4. Implement a client-centered IAQ design process using structured checklists to document needs, educate clients, and support decisions that improve long-term air quality, comfort, and wellness outcomes.

Cost

Free to attend; $25 for continuing education credit in live webinar

Credit Hours

Live Webinar: 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour, 1 PDH for engineers in Pennsylvania, 1.0 AIA LU|HSW, 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)

Tags: 2025-26