Retrofitting for Improved Air Quality: promoting sustainable and healthy homes
RIAQ
Funders
Project information
Project duration
-
Funded by
European Structural and Investment Funds - INTERREG
Funding amount
1 496 165 EUR
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Unit and faculty
Contact information
Project leader
- University lecturer / researcher
Contact person
Other persons
- Professor
- Postdoctoral researcher
Project description
Retrofitting for Improved Air Quality: promoting sustainable and healthy homes (RIAQ) addresses the critical challenge of maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) during energy retrofits in cold climate regions. While improving building energy efficiency is vital for achieving climate targets, poorly planned retrofits can unintentionally compromise IAQ, leading to negative effects on occupant health and comfort.
RIAQ focuses on balancing energy efficiency improvements with moisture safety, ventilation performance, and overall indoor environmental quality. Through pilot studies across Finland, Ireland, Sweden, and Iceland, the project measures indoor air parameters and hygrothermal performance before and after retrofitting actions.
The collected data informs the development of practical guidelines and best practices for healthy, sustainable retrofits. Special emphasis is placed on adapting solutions to the diverse climatic, social, and technical contexts of the Northern Periphery and Arctic regions.
The project brings together researchers, public authorities, housing providers, and industry experts to co-create evidence-based solutions that:
- Support healthier living environments,
- Enhance energy performance,
- Extend the durability of retrofitted buildings,
- Contribute to climate resilience.
RIAQ is co-funded by the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme (2025–2028) and promotes knowledge-sharing across stakeholders to help scale up sustainable housing renovation efforts.