European people living in urban areas spend up to 90 % of their life in buildings. Indoors, people are exposed to up to 5-times higher pollution, which cause a wide range of diseases and health problems. A poor indoor environment quality (IEQ) also reduces productivity, performance at work and in schools. There is significant scientific evidence on the health benefits of improved indoor air quality (IAQ) through source control, ventilation technology and adequate filtration of incoming air. 

Buildings energy performance has gained a lot of attention in the past decade due to European policies and energy efficiency targets. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key priority of the EU Energy Union. However the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was implemented in most Member States without paying attention to indoor environment quality by setting minimum ventilation and IEQ requirements. Indoor environment quality and minimum energy performance requirements shall go hand in hand. Implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings (thermal insulation of envelope, tight windows, etc.) without a holistic approach might create even new IEQ problems like poor indoor air quality, formation of harmful mould, overheating of buildings. There is a danger that energy is saved while the indoor air quality is deteriorated, causing health problems and decreased workforce productivity.

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