AU2015101659A4 - IEQ performance system - Google Patents

Abstract

An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) monitoring station (5) and an IEQ monitoring system (1) for monitoring IEQ for an occupied zone (3). Sensors provide signals relating to thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics and indoor air quality at the occupied zone (3) that may be the basis for IEQ parameter data.

Description

1 "IEQ performance system" Technical Field [1] The present disclosure relates to a method, system and apparatus for monitoring indoor environmental quality. Background [2] The comfort of occupants in an indoor location may be determined by considerations that contribute to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the indoor location. Considerations such as thermal comfort, lighting, air quality and acoustics can affect not only the comfort, but also health and productivity of building occupants. In an office environment, workers may spend 7 or more hours a day at a particular indoor location. Therefore determining and monitoring IEQ may be important to building occupants, building managers, employers, researchers, etc. [3] Like outdoor environments, an indoor environment may be subject to variation and change from a number of factors. As an example, the temperature may be affected by outside temperature, number of occupant in the location, settings of heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems, all of which may also be compounded by the time of day or year which affects these patterns. [4] In a conventional IEQ audit, parameters that affect IEQ may require very specialised and complex instrumentation to perform measurements that require trained operators to deploy various types of instruments on-site and to interpret the results, which in turn may have a high cost. Thus this may restrict instrumental IEQ performance and compliance checks to single point-in-time "snapshots" of phenomena that are inherently variable, both temporally (such as time of day, day or week, seasonal), and spatially (e.g. across the floorplate within and between HVAC zones, or from one floor to another). As a result, conventional IEQ audits, monitoring and compliance checks may be cost prohibitive or performed rarely in the commercial building sector and even if such checks are performed, the results obtained are unable to accurately represent the IEQ performance of commercial buildings during and throughout normal day to day use.

2 [5] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. [6] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. Summary [7] An indoor environmental quality (IEQ) monitoring station comprising: a plurality of sensor systems and a first processing device. The first processing device comprises: a thermal comfort sensor system; a lighting sensor system; an acoustic sensor system; and an indoor air quality sensor system. The first processing device is provided to: receive sensor signals from the plurality of sensor systems; and send indoor environmental quality data (IEQ data) based on the received sensor signals. [8] The monitoring station may be a node of a wireless ad-hoc mesh network, wherein the first processing device is further provided to: receive further IEQ data from another node; and send the further IEQ data to one or more further nodes. [9] The monitoring station may further comprise: a first body having a first processing device and at least one first sensor of the plurality of sensor systems; a second body having at least one second sensor of the plurality of sensor systems; and a data communication link for the at least one second sensor to send data to the first processing device, wherein the second body is spatially movable relative to the first body. [10] The first body may comprise a vented housing, wherein a plurality of vents allows fluid passage of air to at least one sensor of the indoor air quality sensor system.

3 [11] In the monitoring station, the at least one second sensor at the second body comprises at least one of: a globe thermometer, an anemometer, an air temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. [12] An indoor environmental quality monitoring system comprising: one or more indoor environmental quality monitoring station described above; and a hub comprising: a second processing device to: receive IEQ data from the one or more monitoring stations; and send, over a communications network, to a server temporal IEQ parameter data based on the received IEQ data. [13] A computer implemented method for monitoring an indoor environmental quality (IEQ) efficiency for an occupied zone comprising: receiving temporal IEQ parameter data associated with a time value in the occupied zone including thermal comfort data, lighting data, acoustic data and indoor air quality data; receiving supplementary data associated with the occupied zone; determining an IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone based on the temporal IEQ parameter data and the supplementary data; and generating, at a display, a notification indicative of the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone. [14] In the computer-implemented method, the supplementary data associated with the occupied zone may comprise one or more of: temporal survey data from occupants of the occupied zone, wherein the temporal survey data is based on a response to a subjective questionnaire of the occupied zone at a time contemporaneous to the time value of corresponding temporal IEQ parameter data; summative survey data from occupants of the occupied zone, wherein the summative survey data is based on a response to a subjective questionnaire of the occupied zone in relation to a summative period that spans a plurality of time values; mobile occupant data, wherein the mobile occupant data is based on data received from one or more mobile devices of an occupant in the occupied zone; building metrics data associated with the occupied zone; building operational data from a building management system associated with the occupied zone; meteorological observation data associated with the occupied zone; finance data associated with the occupied zone; and occupant performance data associated with the occupants of the occupied zone. [15] The computer implemented method may further comprise the step of determining one or more IEQ values based on the received temporal IEQ parameter data, wherein the determining an IEQ efficiency includes determining one or more of: an IEQ comfort efficiency rating based 4 on the one or more IEQ values and the summative survey data and/or the temporal survey data; an IEQ productivity rating based on the one or more IEQ values and occupant performance data; an IEQ energy efficiency rating based on the one or more IEQ values and one or more of building metrics data, building operational data, meteorological observation data, finance data, occupant performance data and mobile occupant data. [16] The computer implemented method may further comprise the step of determining a comparative IEQ efficiency rating based on the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone and a corresponding IEQ efficiency of another occupied zones. [17] The computer implemented method may further may comprise the steps of: determining one or more IEQ targets for the occupied zone based on one of more inputs received from a building administrator; determining temporal IEQ compliance of the occupied zone based on the received temporal IEQ parameter data and the IEQ targets; and generating, at a display, an output indicative of the temporal IEQ compliance of the occupied zone. [18] The computer implemented method may further comprise the steps of: receiving a plurality of temporal IEQ parameter data for a corresponding plurality of times values, and wherein determining temporal IEQ compliance comprises determining temporal IEQ compliance for the plurality of temporal time values; and generating, at a display, a compliance time output indicative of IEQ compliance during the plurality of times values. [19] Software that when installed on a computer causes the computer to perform one or more of the computer-implemented methods described herein. Brief Description of Drawings [20] Examples of the present disclosure will be described with reference to: [21] Fig. 1 is a schematic of an indoor environmental quality monitoring system; [22] Fig. 2 is a schematic of a network of monitoring stations and a hub; [23] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a monitoring station; 5 [24] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of internal components of a first body of the monitoring station of Fig. 3; [25] Fig. 4b is a perspective view of a PCB of the first body of the monitoring station of Fig. 3; [26] Fig. 5a is a perspective view of internal components of a second body of the monitoring station of Fig. 3; [27] Fig. 5b is a perspective view of a PCB of the second body of the monitoring station of Fig. 3; [28] Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring an indoor environmental quality efficiency; [29] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring indoor environmental quality; [30] Fig. 8 is a view of a display showing a dashboard user interface for a building administrator; [31] Fig. 9 is a view of a display showing information relevant to an occupied zone; [32] Fig. 10 is a view of a display showing profile information for a building administrator; [33] Fig. 11 is a view of a display showing IEQ values for an occupied zone; [34] Fig. 12 is another view of a display showing IEQ values over a time period for an occupied zone; [35] Fig. 13 is a view of a display showing a report for an occupied zone;Fig. 14 is a view of a display showing a report including a notification indicative of the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone; [36] Fig. 15 is a view of a display showing an occupant activity report; and [37] Fig. 16 illustrates an example of a processing device.

6 Description of Embodiments Overview [38] Fig. 1 illustrates an indoor environmental quality monitoring system 1 for monitoring the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for an occupied zone 3. The system 1 includes one or more indoor environmental quality monitoring stations 5 for location in the occupied zone 3, whereby the stations 5 provide IEQ data based on data from a plurality of sensor systems 6 at the monitoring station 5. The plurality of sensor systems 6 may include a thermal comfort sensor system 62, a lighting sensor system 64, and acoustic sensor system 61 and an indoor air quality sensor system 66 as illustrated in Fig. 3. [39] A hub 7 receives the IEQ data, directly or indirectly, from one or more monitoring stations 5. This may include a hub 7 receiving IEQ data directly from a monitoring station 5, or indirectly through another node in a network as will be described in further detail below. The IEQ data may be associated with a time value in the occupied zone. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the term "time value" may be indicative of a period of time, or in some alternatives, a point in time. [40] In turn, the hub sends temporal IEQ parameter data, also associated with the time, based on the received IEQ data. The hub 7 may send the temporal IEQ parameter data, over a communications network 9, to be received 110 by a server 11 and/or a data store 13 (which may include cloud storage). [41] The server 11, having a processing device 91, may perform a computer implemented method 100 (see Figs. 6 and 7) for monitoring an indoor environmental quality efficiency in the occupied zone 3. In addition to receiving temporal IEQ parameter data 110, the server 11 also receives supplementary data 120 associated with the occupied zone 3. The processing device 91 may then determine an IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone 3 based on the received temporal IEQ parameter data and the supplementary data. The processing device 91 may generate 140, at a display 20, a notification indicative of the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone 3 to a building administrator 17. [42] The notification indicative of the determined IEQ efficiency allows the building administrator 17, or other interested person, to evaluate the IEQ of occupied zone 3, based on 7 empirical (i.e. observed data) which may be affected by factors including but not limited to layout and design of the occupied zone 3, the building management system 23, the occupants, season and weather. Thus the use of IEQ efficiency may be advantageous over other systems where IEQ values are merely compared with 'idealised guidelines' and thresholds for a building which may not take into account other factors. It may also allow the building administrator 17 to compare the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone 3 to another occupied zone. This may include comparing the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone 3 with a similar occupied zone that can put the IEQ in context. For example, a similar occupied zone may be similar by type, design, age of the building, type of occupants, geographical locations, ownership, tenancy, industry, etc. [43] The supplementary data may include data from occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3. This may be in the form of temporal survey data based on a response to a subjective questionnaire of the occupied zone at a time contemporaneous to the IEQ parameter data. In addition, or in an alternative, this may be in the form of summative survey data from occupants of the occupied zone, wherein the summative survey data is based on a response to a subjective questionnaire of the occupied zone in relation to a summative period that spans a plurality of time values. The occupants 15 may provide survey data through an electronic device 16, 18 that, in turn, sends the survey data through the communication network 9 to the server 11. In some embodiments, the electronic devices 16, 18 may send the survey data through the monitoring stations 5, hub 7 and/or the data store 13 to be received by the server 11. Electronic device 16, 16 may include mobile devices (such as smart phones, tablets), laptops and other computing devices. [44] Supplementary data may also include building metrics data associated with the occupied zone 3, such as the area of the occupied zone 3, the ceiling height, etc. Supplementary data may also include building operational data from a building management system 23 for the occupied zone 3. In another example, supplementary data may include meteorological observation data from sources such as a weather satellite 21, weather stations, etc. In yet another example, supplementary data includes finance data associated with the occupied zone 3, which may include, for example, the energy cost associated with the occupied zone 3. In yet another example, supplementary data may include occupant performance data associated with the occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3. In another example, supplementary data may include data received from one or more mobile devices 16 of an occupant 15 in the occupied zone 3.

8 [45] In addition to the examples provided above, supplementary data may be received by the server 11 in other ways. In one example, at least part of the supplementary data is stored in the data store 13. In another example, at least part of the supplementary data may be stored at the hub 7 and/or station 5. In another example, at least part of the supplementary data may be provided from another organisation 19, such as a bureau of meteorology that may provide meteorological observation data from sources such as a weather satellite 21, weather stations, etc. In another example, the supplementary data may be sent by the building administrator 17. The monitoring station 5 [46] The monitoring station 5 will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. The monitoring station 5 has the plurality of sensor systems to obtain data in relation to the IEQ of the occupied space 3 in which it is located. The IEQ considerations include thermal quality (thermal comfort), lighting quality (e.g. horizontal illuminance), acoustics quality (sound), and indoor air quality. Accordingly, the plurality of sensor systems 6 include corresponding sensors to measure these considerations, including a thermal comfort sensor system 62, a lighting sensor system 64, an acoustic sensor system 61 and an indoor air quality sensor system 66. The monitoring station has a first processing device 35 to receive sensor signals from the plurality of sensor systems and to send IEQ data based on the received sensor signals. The sent IEQ data may, in turn, be used for assessment of the IEQ of the occupied zone 3. [47] The monitoring station 5 may provide a convenient package that has a comprehensive suite of sensor systems to measure all IEQ considerations. This may be in contrast with other systems that may require installation of various separate sensors in the occupied zone 3 that may require the expertise of a skilled technician. [48] Each occupied zone 3 may have one or more monitoring stations 5. Furthermore, the monitoring system 1 may include a plurality of monitoring stations 5 at a plurality of occupied zones 3, whereby the monitoring system 1 may be used to provide information based on the collective plurality of occupied zones 3, a subset of the plurality of occupied zones 3, or individual occupied zones 3.

9 The ad-hoc mesh network 31 [49] Referring now to Fig. 2, the monitoring stations 5 may be a node of a wireless ad-hoc mesh network 31, wherein a station 5' may receive a further IEQ data from another node (such as another station 5") and send the further IEQ data to one or more further nodes (such as further node 5'). In some embodiments, the hub 7 may also be a node of the ad-hoc mesh network 31. An advantage of the stations 5 being a node of a wireless ad-hoc mesh network 31 is that it facilitates ease of setting up the system 1. In particular, a wireless network may ameliorate cost, time and effort associated with installing sensors in the occupied space and wiring the sensors to a network. Instead the stations 5 may be located in the occupied space 3 as desired and, if required, moved to a new location in the same or other occupied space 3. This also increases flexibility of the system 1. For example, if the office floor plan is changed or, alternatively, the building administrator wishes to monitor the IEQ of another occupied zone, such as on another floor or another building. Furthermore, the system 1 may not require use of a network infrastructure that is installed into or part of the building of the occupied zone 3. This reduces any interference with the occupants and/or tenants of the occupied zone 3. [50] Referring now to Fig. 4, the ad-hoc mesh network may include, but is not limited to, wireless communication with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology (such as IEEE 802.11 family of standards). Thus the monitoring station 5 may include a wireless communications module 38 facilitate data communication from the monitoring station 5 to other nodes, such as another monitoring station or the hub 7. [51] In one further example, wireless communication for the ad-hoc mesh network may be based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, including ZigBee specifications for communications. This may advantageously provide an ad-hoc mesh network using simpler and low powered components. The monitoring station 5 having a first body 32 and second body 33 [52] In the illustrated example in Figs. 3 to 5b, the monitoring station 5 includes a first body 32 and a second body 33. The first body 32 has the first processing device 35 (as show in Fig. 4b) and at least one first sensor 37 of the plurality of sensor systems 6. The second body 33 (as shown in Fig. 5) has at least one second sensor 39 of the plurality of sensor system 6. A data communication link 41 is provided for the at least one second sensor 39 of the second body 33 to 10 send data to the first processing device 35. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication link 41 includes a communication cable joining the first body 32 and second body 33 although it is to be appreciated that the data communication link 41 may be a wireless communication link to transfer data using wireless technology including but not limited to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IrDA, etc. [53] The first body 32 may contain components of the monitoring station 5 that, in use, generate heat. For example, this may include the first processing device 35, a power conditioning circuit 36 and the at least one first sensor 37 which may be a sensor that generates heat. The first body 32 may also contain components that are agnostic or less sensitive to ambient temperature and heat generated by the other components. [54] The second body 33 may contain components that are temperature sensitive. For example, this may include the at least one second sensor 39 which may be sensors in the thermal comfort sensor system 62 and/or other sensors that are undesirably affected by the heat of other components. Thus an advantage of having a distinct first body 32 and second body 33 is that the at least one second sensor 39 may be spatially separated from heat generated in the first body 32. [55] Another advantage of having a distinct first body 32 and second body 33 is that it may allow location of sensors in respective desired positions. For example, it may be desirable for sensor(s) in the second body 33 to be located in an elevated and/or transverse location relative to a desirable location for the sensors in the second body 33. In another example, two sensors may be competing for a desired position on the monitoring station (e.g. a top position of the monitoring station 5) and providing a first and second body may allow each of the two sensors to have the desired position in their respective bodies 32, 33. The first body 32 [56] The first body 32 includes a vented housing 45, wherein a plurality of vents 47 allow fluid passage of air to at least one sensor of the indoor air quality sensor system 66 located in the first body 32. The vented housing 45 may be made from a metal such as aluminium or steel and may function as a guard to protect components inside the first body. At an upper region of the first body 32 is a dome cover 49 and at the lower region is a supporting base 51.

11 [57] Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate components inside the first body 32. An internal frame 53 provides a support and mounting surface for components as discussed below. The internal frame 53 supports a printed circuit board (PCB) 52 (as illustrated in Fig. 4b) to which components are mounted thereto. [58] The upper portion of the internal frame 53 is mounted a lighting sensor system 64. The lighting sensor system 64 includes an illuminance sensor 54 on the PCB 52 as shown in Fig. 4b. to detect light and to output a signal indicative of the light levels. The illuminance sensor 54 is positioned at the upper portion of the PCB 52 and configured to measure horizontal illuminance. Placement at the upper portion allows greatest exposure to the predominant lighting source indoors (which is generally ceiling-mounted light fittings). In one example, there may be difficulties in placing the illuminance sensor 54 at or close to the top of the dome cover 49. Therefore a light pipe 56 may be used to redirect light (such as from a window at the top of the dome) to a location where the illuminance sensor 54 is located. This may allow the illuminance sensor to be configured at a location other than upward facing and/or at the top of the dome cover 49. A light diffuser 48 may be located at the top of the light pipe 56 to facilitate capture and redirection to the light pipe 56. [59] In some examples, a dome diffuser may be used to compensate for directionality of the light sensor 54 and/or light pipe 56. In another example, the illuminance sensor 54 is supported by a stalk extending from the internal frame 53 such that the illuminance sensor 54 is positioned close to, or at, a light transparent window at a top of the dome cover 49. [60] An antenna 58 connected to a communications module 38 may be located in the upper portion of the internal frame 53. The communications module 38 may include an integrated circuit connected to a trace antenna 58 to allow communications from the monitoring station 5 to mobile devices. In some variations, this may also allow communications between monitoring stations 5 and/or the hub 7. The communications module 38 may include a ZigBee module, Bluetooth module and/or a Wi-Fi module mounted to the PCB 52. The placement of the antenna 58 at the top of the internal frame 53 may increase range by elevating the antenna above other components and away from the vented housing 45 which may be made from a metallic material. [61] At the middle portion of the first body 32 are air quality sensors 37 of the indoor air quality sensor system. The location of the air quality sensors 37 at the middle portion are proximal to at least some of the vents 47 in the housing 45 to allow the air quality sensors 37 to 12 sample air from the ambient surroundings that pass through the plurality of vents. The plurality of vents 47 allow air exchange sufficient so that the air quality sensors 37 can provide data indicative of the actual air quality. At least some of air quality sensors 37, which will be discussed below, may be mounted to the PCB 52. [62] A first processing device 35 is provided on the PCB 52. In this example, the first processing device 35 is located around the middle portion of the first body 32 although it is to be appreciated that is may be located at other portions such as the lower portion. Similarly, the power conditioning circuit 36 is also provided on the PCB 52. [63] There is also provided acoustic sensors 59 of the acoustic sensor system 61. The acoustic sensor system 61 may include acoustic sensors 59 in the form of a microphone, multi stage pre-amplifiers, and a signal processing device to determine A-weighted sound pressure levels. The housing 45, and/or other portions of the first body 32, may include cut outs to reduce impedance of sound by the housing 45. Referring to Fig. 4b, the microphone 59 is mounted to the PCB 52. In other examples, the microphone 59 may be connected by leads to allow the microphone to be positioned away from the other components of the PCB 52. In alternative example (not shown), this may include placing the microphone 59 at the cut out of the housing 45 so that the microphone is flush with the housing 45. The second body 33 [64] The second body 33 includes an outer housing 61 to protect components located therein. The second body 33 has the second sensors 39 of the plurality of sensors 6, which in this example are the sensors of the thermal comfort sensor system 62. [65] A pair of protective ears 63 extends upwardly at the outer housing 61, whereby the ears 63 have apertures 65 to expose anemometers 67 to the surroundings. Between the ears 61, and exposed to the ambient surroundings to the second body 33, is a globe 69 of a globe thermometer 71. The ears 63 protect the anemometers 67 from damage as well as reducing or preventing radiant heat exchange between the anemometers 67 and the globe 69 that may cause a measurement bias. [66] Fig. 5a illustrates the second body 33 with the outer housing 61 removed and Fig. 5b shows a PCB 75 of the second body 33. The globe 69 of the globe thermometer 71 is provided 13 at the upper portion of the second body 33 to maximise exposure of the globe surface to the surrounding radiant field. The globe 69 is hermetically sealed to prevent air exchange between the internal air volume in the globe and the air in the ambient environment. A negative temperature coefficient thermistor 76 is located on the PCB 75 and inside the globe 69. [67] The anemometers 67 are provided such that they are exposed to through the apertures 65. The anemometers (discussed in further detail below) each measure ambient airflow in the surrounding environment in approximately a 180 degree hemisphere. Therefore a pair of opposite facing anemometers 67 is provided to measure two hemispheres of airspeed which together measure airflow for approximately a combined 360 degrees. [68] The anemometers 67 are provided on arms 73 of the PCB 75 to elevate the anemometers above a turbulent surface layer of air (i.e. air close to the surface that the second body 33 is resting on). This elevation also spatially separates the anemometers 67 from other components on the PCB 75. It may also reduce conductive heat transfer through the PCB 75 from the other components on the PCB. [69] At the lower portion of the second body 33 is an air temperature and relative humidity sensor 77. The air temperature and relative humidity sensor 77 may be an integrated circuit sensor mounted on the PCB 75. The placement of the temperature and humidity sensor 77 at the second body 33 limits potential for measurement bias due to heat from other components, and in particular those in the first body 32. An air intake 79 is also provided at the lower portion of the second body 33 to allow the temperature and humidity sensor 77 to sample the air in the ambient environment. The location of the temperature and humidity sensor 77 is horizontally in-line with the air intake 79 to ensure that air, representative of the surrounding environment, is drawn through the air intake 70 and to the temperature and humidity sensor 77 due to a flow caused by natural buoyance of warm air heated by heated elements of the anemometer 67. In addition, the PCB 75 may have slits 82 around the temperature and humidity sensor 77 to further reduce conductive heat transfer through the PCB 75. [70] A communications socket 84 is provided on the PCB 75 of the second body 33 for receiving a cable of the data communications link 41 which, in turn, may be connected to a corresponding communications socket (not shown) on the PCB 52 of the first body 32.

14 Alternative body configuration [71] Although the monitoring station 5 described in the above mentioned example includes a first body 32 and second body 33, it is to be appreciated that in some other examples the monitoring station 5 may comprise a single body. In one example, the monitoring station 5 with a single body may be configured such that the temperature sensitive sensors (i.e. sensors where the performance may be affected by a heat source, other than from the surrounding environment that results in unacceptable measurements) may be located distal to heat generating components of the station 5. As an example, this may include an arm with a distal end to which a component is placed to provide spatial separation. Such spatial separation may reduce effect of the heat generating components from biasing or otherwise interfering with measurement by the temperature sensitive sensors. In another example, the station 5 may include other means to reduce the effects of heat, such as insulating or shielding the temperature sensitive sensors to other components. Sensors for the plurality of sensor systems 6 [72] Examples of sensors for the plurality sensor systems 6 will now be described. It is to be appreciated that in some examples a particular sensor may provide data to more than one sensor system. For example, data from an air temperature sensor may provide data for both the thermal comfort sensor system 62 and the indoor air quality sensor system 66. Examples of the plurality of sensor systems and respective sensors will now be described. The thermal comfort sensor system 62 [73] The thermal comfort sensor system 62 provides data output that can be used to represent the satisfaction the thermal environment. Representation of thermal comfort may include the predicted mean vote (PMV) and the predicted percentage dissatisfied (PDD). [74] In one example sensors for the thermal comfort sensor system 62 include an air temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a mean radiant temperature sensor (such as a globe thermometer 71) and an air speed sensor (such as an anemometer 67). [75] The air temperature and humidity sensor 77 may include an integrated circuit sensor on the PCB 75. An example of a sensor that may be suitable is the HTU21D sensor offered by 15 Measurement Specialities. However it is to be appreciated that other types of temperature sensors and humidity sensors may be used, including separate temperature and humidity sensors. [76] The radiant temperature sensor may be in the form of a globe thermometer 71 to determine mean radiant temperature. An example of a globe thermometer 71 includes a globe 69 formed of a black thin-film plastic. Within the centre of the globe 69 is a negative temperature coefficient thermistor 76. The globe thermometer 71 may be used to provide measurements that can be used to determine, or approximate the mean radiant temperature of the surrounding surfaces in the environment. An example of a thermistor that may be suitable is the KT103J2 offered by US Sensor Corporation. [77] The surrounding air speed may be detected by anemometers 67. An example of a low cost anemometer that may be suitable is a thermal anemometer. This may include a heated resistor (or wire) is exposed to the surrounding (flowing) air whereby the amount of convective cooling caused by the passing air may be used to determine air speed. A companion thermistor (or air temperature sensor) may be used to assist in derivation of air speed. [78] An example of a suitable anemometer include hot wire anemometers offered by Dantec Dynamics A/S. Acoustic sensor system 61 The acoustic sensor system 61 is used to provide data on the sound pressure levels in the occupied zone 3. Acoustic sensors to measure sound pressure levels may include a microphone to determine ambient sound. Signals from the microphone may then be processed, such as through multi-stage pre-amplifiers, or digital processing to provide data corresponding to the sound pressure levels. As previously noted the acoustic sensor system 61 may be used to determine A-weighted sound pressure levels. [79] An example of a microphone that may be suitable for the acoustic sensor system includes the CMC-2742WBL-25L offered by CUI Inc.

16 Lighting sensor system 64 [80] The lighting sensor system 64 provides data to determine the lighting levels in the occupied zone. In one example, it may be desirable to determine the horizontal illuminance at a location of the occupied zone 3. However it is to be appreciated that other types of light (and direction) may also be taken into consideration. [81] The lighting sensor system 64 may include an illuminance sensor 54 in the form of a photodiode. The photodiode may be in a package with an integrated circuit, or coupled with an integrated circuit, to provide an output that is indicative of illuminance. [82] An example an illuminance sensor that may be suitable is the TSL2561 offered by AMS-TAOS USA Inc. Indoor air quality sensor system 66 [83] The indoor air quality system provides data on the quality of air in the occupied zone 3, which may be affected by a number of factors including particulates, contaminants, gasses, etc. that may affect the health of the occupants 15. [84] The air quality sensor system 66 may include sensor(s) 37 that provide data levels for one or more of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), dust, total volatile organic compound (TVOC), formaldehyde and ozone (03). The air quality sensor system 66 may include sensors and other components that generate heat to function properly. Therefore it may be desirable to locate the sensors of the air quality system 66 in the first body 32. Furthermore, the sensors also require air exchange between the corresponding sensor elements and the air in the indoor environment. Accordingly, the sensors 37 should be located and configured to facilitate air exchange to the surroundings through the vents 47. Referring to Fig. 4b the sensors may be located on the PCB 52, including a CO sensor 22, a formaldehyde sensor 24, and a TVOC sensor 26. [85] In some examples the CO sensor 22 is an electrochemical sensor. An example of a CO sensor that may be suitable is the EC4-500-CO offered by SGX Sensortech. In some examples, the CO 2 sensor is a nondispersive infrared sensor that detects changes in absorption of light due to particular gases at the sensor. An example of a CO 2 sensor that may be suitable is the K30 17 offered by CO2Meter. It is to be appreciated that the CO and CO 2 sensors may require specific mounting or configuration (e.g. alignment angle for the sample chambers, etc.) to function accurately. [86] An example of a dust sensor may include an optical system that detects based on scattering, obstruction of light from a light source. The dust sensor may also include a mechanism to draw air though a sensing area of the dust sensor. In one example, this includes a least one vertical passage where a heated element is provided at the base of the passage to heat air. The heated air, in turn, rises up the vertical passage by natural convection to provide the air flow through the sensing area. An example of a dust sensor that may be suitable is the PPD42NS offered by Shinyei. [87] Formaldehyde sensor 24 is used to detect formaldehyde vapours that may be in the air in the occupied zone 3. An example of a formaldehyde sensor that may be suitable is the 2 FP5W offered by Dart Sensors Ltd. [88] A TVOC sensor 26 may also be included in the monitoring station 5. An example of a TVOC sensor that may be suitable is the PID-AH offered by Alphasense. [89] It is to be appreciated that the monitoring station 5 may have one or more of the above mentioned sensors in the indoor air quality sensor system 66. It is to be appreciated that in some examples, one or more sensors may be optionally mounted to the monitoring station 5 as may be dictated by cost and/or the expected contaminants in the occupied zone 3. It is also to be appreciated that additional air quality sensors, not mentioned above, may be included in the monitoring station 5. Such additional air quality sensors may be selected according to contaminants that could be expected to be in the air at the occupied zone 3. The hub 7 [90] The hub 7 may comprise a second processing device 81 to receive IEQ data from the monitoring stations 5 and send to a server temporal IEQ parameter data based on the received IEQ data. In one embodiment, the hub 7 may include a data store to store IEQ data from the monitoring stations 5. The hub 7 may then send temporal IEQ parameter data to the server 11 where the temporal IEQ parameter data is based on the IEQ data and an associated time value for the IEQ data. The hub 7 may send the temporal IEQ parameter data at a specified time such as at 18 specified time intervals, continuously, or when requested from the server 11, another party or device. [91] The hub 7 may also include a second wireless communication module 83, similar to wireless communication module 38 of the monitoring station 5, to allow the hub 7 to act as a node and communicate with the monitoring stations 5. [92] The hub 7 may also comprise a cellular network communication module 85, whereby IEQ parameter data is sent to the server via the cellular network communication module and network 9. An advantage of using the cellular network is mobility of the hub 7 and the monitoring system 1 as this may reduce or eliminate reliance on the network infrastructure at the occupied zone 3. Therefore the monitoring system 1 may be set up with low disruption to the infrastructure and communication systems at the occupied zone. [93] In another example, the hub 7 may include an area network communication module. The area network communications module may allow the hub 7 to communicate to the network 9, which may be the internet, local area network, etc. Therefore in one example, area network communication module may be connected to a wireless access point or router associated with the occupied zone 3. Thus the hub 7 may, in some examples, use existing communications infrastructure at the occupied zone for communicating with the network 9. This may be advantageous in cases where there is poor reception for cellular network communications in the occupied zone 3. Method 100 for monitoring indoor environmental quality efficiency for an occupied zone [94] The computer implemented method 100 for monitoring indoor environmental quality efficiency for an occupied zone 3 will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 6 to 15. [95] In general, the method 100 includes receiving 110 temporal IEQ parameter data associated with a time value in the occupied zone 3 including thermal comfort data, lighting data, acoustic data and air quality data. The temporal IEQ parameter data may include data derived from the IEQ data of the monitoring stations 5. In particular, the thermal comfort data may be derived from the thermal comfort sensor system 62, the lighting data from the lighting sensor system 64, the acoustic data from the acoustic sensor system 61 and the air quality data from the indoor air quality sensor system 66.

19 [96] The method 100 also includes receiving 120 supplementary data associated with the occupied zone 3. Supplementary data generally includes data that is not received at the monitoring station 5, but is still relevant to the occupied zone 3. This may include temporal survey data from the occupants, summative survey data from the occupants, mobile occupant data, building metrics data, building operational data, meteorological observation data, finance data and occupant performance data. [97] The method 100 further includes determining 130 an IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone based on the temporal IEQ parameter data and the supplementary data. The IEQ efficiency may be represented in various ways. In one example, the IEQ efficiency may be with respect to IEQ energy efficiency rating whereby the IEQ efficiency is based on one or more IEQ values of the occupied zone 3 compared to the building's energy use. In another example, the IEQ efficiency may be with respect to IEQ comfort (occupant satisfaction) efficiency rating whereby the IEQ efficiency is based on one or more IEQ values of the occupied zone 3 compared to the results of survey data from occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3. In yet another example, the IEQ efficiency may be with respect to IEQ productivity rating whereby the IEQ efficiency is based on one or more IEQ values of the occupied zone 3 compared to the performance and productivity of the occupants 15. These will be discussed in further detail below and it is to be appreciated additional IEQ efficiency measures may be used. [98] The method further includes generating 140, at a display 20, a notification indicative of the determined IEQ efficiency in the occupied zone 3. This may include displaying this at a virtual dashboard 201 at the display 20 for a building administrator 17 or other interested party. The display 20 may be at a location remote from the server 11, such as at an office of the building administrator 17. [99] The additional steps of the method 100 will now be described in detail, with reference to the flow diagram in Fig. 7 and screenshots in Figs. 8 to 14. Initialisation and setup [100] The first step includes receiving 101 information on the occupied zone 3. This may include building metrics data (which may be supplementary data) such as building type, building envelope system type, occupancy type, operation type, HVAC system type, area of the occupied zone 3, number of floors, number of occupants, etc. This information may be received from a 20 data store 13 or entered into through a terminal connected to the network 9. In one example, a building administrator 17 may enter this information through a computer terminal. [101] Fig. 8 illustrates a screenshot of a dashboard 200 at the display 20. A plurality of icons 201, each representing an occupied zone 3 (or a plurality of occupied zones such as a building) is provided for the building administrator 17 to select. Fig.9 illustrates a screenshot after selection of a particular building icon 203 from the plurality of icons 201. This includes a building identifier 205 and meteorological data 207 at the area of the building. It also shows building metrics data that has been entered in step 101 such as the area 209, occupied floors 211, occupants 213 and HVAC type 215. [102] The next step is receiving 103 performance criteria 217 for review as selected by the building administrator 17. Examples of performance criteria 217 may include the type of IEQ efficiency that the administrator wants to review, for example an IEQ comfort efficiency rating 219. Other performance criteria 217 that are selected include IEQ compliance 221 and health and activity 223. It is to be appreciated that other performance criteria 217 may be available for selection. [103] The next step 105 is setting-up data collection protocols, whereby the type of data to collect, monitoring period, sampling locations and collection frequency are defined. These protocols may be specified by technical standards or guidelines, government or other regulatory bodies, the occupants/tenants needs, and/or the building administrator 17. The specified data collection protocols 225 are shown in Fig. 9 and include an energy rating 227, a water rating 229, an indoor environment rating 231, a green rating 233 (Green Star rating according to the Green Building Council of Australia), and a PCA rating 235 (according to Property Council of Australia). These specified data collection protocols may be based on known protocols such as those from the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). This may include NABERS Energy, NABERS Water, and NABERS IE (indoor environment). It is to be appreciated that other system may be used such as the Green Star Rating System and the WELL Building Standard. The building temperature or temperature range 237 may also be specified. As illustrated in Fig. 9, this also includes specified ratings for these respective protocols. In this example, the occupied space has a specified energy rating 227 of '4.5' in NABERS Energy. These specified ratings may adjust the data collection protocols accordingly.

21 [104] Fig. 10 illustrates a screenshot of a profile for a building administrator that may wish to monitor a plurality of occupied zones. This may include the building administrator's details 239 as well as a list 241 of occupied zones that the building administrator may monitor. The list 241 may also include a summary of information relevant to each of the occupied zones including an address 243, an identifier 245, the number 247 of monitoring stations 5 at the occupied zone 3, and the number 249 of occupant surveys completed. Data collection [105] The method 100 includes data collection which includes receiving 110 temporal IEQ parameter data and receiving 120 supplementary data. Temporal IEQ parameter data [106] As noted above, received 110 temporal IEQ parameter data is based on thermal comfort data, lighting data, acoustic data and indoor air quality data such as those derived from the monitoring stations 5. It is to be appreciated that at least some of this data may, in some examples, be derived from sensors other than those at the monitoring stations 5. The temporal IEQ parameter data has associated time values. For example, the temporal IEQ parameter may be associated with a particular point in time, such as the time the data was sensed at the monitoring station 5, or in some cases associated with a period of time that the data was obtained at the monitoring station 5. In some cases the temporal IEQ parameter data may include mean data over a time period for that time value. The temporal IEQ parameter data is also associated with an occupied zone 3, and in some examples, the temporal IEQ parameter data may also be associated with a particular location and/or orientation in an occupied zone 3. [107] The temporal IEQ parameter data may be stored in a data store 13 and sent to the server 11 when required to make the determination 130. Alternatively, the temporal IEQ parameter data may be streamed to the server 11 in real-time, or near real-time. This may allow the server 11 to make determinations 130 in real-time, or near real-time, such that the building administrator 17 or other interested person may monitor the IEQ, IEQ efficiency, and other relevant information in a timely and contemporaneous manner.

22 Supplementary data [108] The types of supplementary data will now be described. Temporal survey data [109] The method 100 may include receiving 121 temporal survey data. Temporal survey data is survey data provided by occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3 at a time contemporaneous to corresponding temporal IEQ parameter data. A subjective questionnaire may be provided on a mobile device 16, or other electronic device 18, whereby the survey data may be based on the occupant's response to the subjective questionnaire. This may include subjective questions on the level of satisfaction the occupant has with the occupied zone 3 and may include particular questions on the perceived thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics and indoor air quality. Importantly, the temporal survey data intends to capture subjective data from the occupant at a particular point in time or at a period of time that corresponds to temporal IEQ parameter data. That is, the temporal survey data aims to capture short term data relevant to a particular time value of temporal IEQ parameter data. Accordingly, the temporal survey data may be provided with a time value, such as a time the survey was submitted or the time period in which the survey was filled in by an occupant 15. In some examples, the temporal survey data may be relevant for a specified time period associated with the occupant 15 completing the temporal survey. For example, the survey data was completed as 1 pm, the survey data may be relevant for corresponding temporal IEQ parameter data with a time value between 12:45pm and 1:15 pm. In another example, the survey data may be weighted based on the difference in time value of the temporal survey data and the time value of the temporal IEQ parameter data. [110] In some examples, push notifications may be sent to mobile devices 16 of occupants 15 to prompt the occupant to provide temporal survey data which may be done through the mobile device 16. [111] Examples of questions in a temporal survey questionnaire are provided below. In one example, the answers may be a selection on a Likert-type scale. It may be appreciated different points on the scale may be used, including but not limited to a five point scale or a seven point scale. Depending on the questions, the ends of the scale may include contrasting statements of 23 "agree/disagree" or "satisfied/dissatisfied". Questions may include: a. Please rate your satisfaction level with the overall air quality of your current location at this moment. b. Is the thermal environment acceptable to you right now? c. Please rate your satisfaction with the air movement in your current location at this moment. d. Please check, if any, that best describes the source of thermal discomfort (you may select more than one, if applicable): e. How do you rate the level of personal control over heating at your current location? f. How do you rate the level of personal control over cooling at your current location? g. How do you rate the level of personal control over air movement at your current location? h. Please rate the thermal conditions of your current location at this moment. i. How satisfied are you with the background noise of your work area at this moment? j. How satisfied are you with your ability to have a conversation without raising your voice at this moment? k. How satisfied are you with the sound privacy (not being overheard by others) in your current location at this moment? 1. The acoustical environment at this moment hinders my ability to do your work.

24 m. Please rate your satisfaction with the lighting comfort of your current location at this moment (e.g. amount of light, glare, reflections, contrast)? n. How do you rate the level of personal control over daylighting at your current location at this moment? o. How do you rate the level of personal control over artificial lighting at your current location at this moment? p. All things considered, how satisfied are you with the overall comfort of your current location? q. How does the environmental conditions of your current location affect your ability to do your work at this moment? Summative survey data [112] The method 100 may include receiving 122 summative survey data. Summative survey data is survey data from a response to a subjective questionnaire of the occupied zone 3 over a summative period that extends over multiple time values in the occupied zone. The intent is to obtain a long-term occupant satisfaction assessment. In some examples, the summative surveys may be for a summative period of 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or longer. The subjective questionnaire may include questions the same as or similar to those in the temporal survey form described above and may also be answered according to a Likert-type scale It is to be appreciated that other questions may also be asked. [113] Examples of questions in a summative survey questionnaire may include: a. Are you a female or a male occupant? b. How old are you? c. Which one of the following best describes the type of work you do? d. For how long have you been working in this building? 25 e. In a typical week, how many hours do you spend in your normal work area? f. On which floor is your normal work area located? g. Which one of the following best describes your normal work area? h. The overall indoor environmental quality of my work area influences my seat/location selection. i. How long have you been working at your normal work area? j. Is your normal work area near to an external window (3m or less)? k. Is your normal work area close to any of the following (you may select more than one, if applicable)? 1. Please rate your satisfaction level with the external view from you normal work area. m. Please rate your satisfaction level with the access to daylight from your normal work area. n. Please rate your satisfaction level with the amount of space available to you at your normal work area. o. Please rate your satisfaction level with the amount of personal storage space available to you. p. This building provides a sense of connection between my normal work area and the outdoor environment. q. This building provides pleasant spaces (e.g. indoor or outdoor green space, break out areas) for breaks and relaxation. r. Please rate your satisfaction level with the visual aesthetics of your normal work area.

26 s. How do you rate your normal work area's layout in terms of allowing you to interact with your colleagues? t. My normal work area can be adjusted (or personalised) to meet my preferences. u. The building provides adequate formal and informal spaces to collaborate with others. v. The work area's layout enables me to work without distraction or unwanted interruptions. w. My normal work area provides adequate visual privacy (not being seen by others). x. Please rate your satisfaction level with the temperature conditions of your normal work area in winter. y. Please rate your satisfaction level with the temperature conditions of your normal work area in summer. z. My normal work area provides adequate sound privacy (not being overheard by others). aa. Please rate you satisfaction level with the overall noise in your normal work area. bb. How satisfied are you with the air movement available to you in your normal work area? cc. Please rate your satisfaction level with the overall air quality in your work area. dd. How satisfied are you with the lighting comfort of your normal work area (e.g. amount of light, glare, reflections, contrast)? ee. How satisfied are you with general cleanliness of your normal work area? ff. How satisfied are you with the general maintenance of this building? 27 gg. Have you ever made requests for changes to the heating, lighting, ventilation or air-conditioning/cooling? hh. How does your work area influence your productivity? ii. How does your work area influence your health? jj. Please estimate how much your work area influences your productivity. kk. Please rate the overall visual aesthetics of this building. 11. How satisfied are you with this building overall? Mobile occupant data [114] The method 100 may also include receiving 121 mobile occupant data, wherein mobile occupant data is based on data received from one or more mobile devices 16 of an occupant 15 of the occupied area 3. In one example the data received from the mobile device 16 may be used to count the number of occupants 15 in the occupied zone 3. This may be based on an assumption that a mobile device 16 is generally associated with an individual occupant 15. In other examples, the data received from the mobile device 16 may be used to determine a location of occupants 15 and or movement of occupants 15 in the occupied zone 3. In yet another embodiment, the mobile device 16 may be configured to count the number of steps a corresponding occupant 15 has taken in the occupied zone 3, whereby the number of steps forms mobile occupant data. [115] The mobile device 16 may be in communication with the monitoring stations 5 via Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi such that data (such as summative survey data, temporal survey data and/or mobile occupant data) is received by the monitoring station 5, which in turn through the hub 7 is sent to the server 11. In other examples, the mobile device 16 may be in communication with the server 11 through a cellular network. Building metrics data [116] The method 100 may also include receiving 101 building metrics data. Building metrics data was discussed above and may include metrics associated with the occupied zone 3, such as 28 the area of the occupied zone 3, the ceiling height, the type of building the occupied zone 3 is in, HVAC type etc. Building operational data [117] The method 100 may also include receiving 123 building operational data from a building management system associated with the occupied zone 3. Such information may include details of HVAC settings, energy consumption, lift operations, number of people entering and/or exiting the building/occupied zone, etc. It may also provide data on one or more IEQ factors in the occupied zone 3 or in areas adjacent to the occupied zone 3. Meteorological observation data [118] The method 100 may also include receiving 124 meteorological observation data associated with the occupied zone 3. This may include the temperature and/or weather forecast in an area where the occupied zone 3 is located. Finance data [119] The method 100 may also include receiving 125 finance data associated with the occupied zone 3. This may include financial data relevant to the occupied zone 3, for example costs associated with the IEQ of the occupied zone. This may include space accommodation costs (rent, interior fit-out, etc.), maintenance costs (energy, cleaning, etc.), etc. Occupant performance data [120] The method 100 may also include receiving 126 occupant performance data associated with the occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3. This may include metrics on the output and productivity of one or more of the occupants in the occupied zone 3. It may also include time values associated with the occupant performance which may allow further granularity of data when analysing and comparing effects, if any, of IEQ and occupant performance. [121] Supplementary data described above may be received 120 in a variety of ways and at different times. Building metrics data may be received 101 during initialisation and setup. Supplementary data may be received 121 at a time contemporaneous to the temporal IEQ parameter data, such as when receiving 121 temporal survey data from occupants 15 in the 29 occupied zone 3. Supplementary data may also be received after a time period of receiving temporal IEQ parameter data, for example when receiving 122 summative survey data from occupants 5 of the occupied zone 3. Supplementary data may also be saved to a data store and retrieved as required. Defining IEQ targets [122] The method 100 may also include the step of receiving 115 defined IEQ targets (such as target thresholds). IEQ targets may be based on reference standards or guidelines in industry. In other examples, IEQ targets may be specified by the building administrator, government, regulatory or advisory bodies, occupants, or other interested parties. [123] In one example, IEQ targets are sent to the server 11 from the building administrator 17. In other examples, IEQ targets may be received from the data store 13 or from a third party. Examples of IEQ targets include: [124] Thermal comfort: ASHRAE. (2013). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-2013: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. [125] Lighting: AS/NZS. (2008). Australian/New Zealand Standard 1680.2.2:2008: Interior and workplace lighting: Part 2.2: Specific applications - Office and screen-based tasks. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. [126] Acoustics: AS/NZS. (2000). Australian/New Zealand Standard 2107:2000: Acoustics Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand. [127] Indoor air quality: ASHRAE. (2010). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010: Ventilation for acceptable indoor air quality. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers; and WHO. (2010). WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe. [128] In the present example, one IEQ target may be a target threshold for indoor air quality where a maximum threshold target for carbon dioxide is at 1000 parts per million which will be 30 discussed further below. In other examples, an IEQ target may be a range. For example, an IEQ target for thermal comfort may include a predicted mean vote (PMV) that has an acceptable target range of "-0.5 to +0.5". That is, an upper threshold of +0.5 and a lower threshold of -0.5. Determining IEQ values and compliance time [129] The method 100 may also include the step of determining 127 one or more IEQ values at the respective occupied zone 3 based on the received 110 temporal IEQ parameter data. The method may also include the step of determining the IEQ values and respective temporal time values such that an IEQ compliance time over one or more periods may be determined for one or more IEQ values. [130] Referring to the screenshot shown Fig. 11, the results of determining one or more IEQ values are provided. In this example, real-time averages for IEQ values 251 over a 5 minute average are provided, namely: [131] Thermal comfort that is represented by air temperature 253, radiant temperature 255, relative humidity 257, air speed 259, percentage mean vote 261 and predicted percentage dissatisfied 262. [132] Lighting that is represented by illuminance 263 in lux. [133] Acoustics that is represented by sound pressure level 265 in decibels. [134] Indoor air quality that is represented by detected portion of the following: carbon dioxide 267, carbon monoxide 269, particulates 271, formaldehyde 273, and total volatile organic compound 275. [135] The IEQ values may be provide variables for determination of an IEQ rating 277. [136] The method may further include determining 129 temporal IEQ compliance of the occupied zone 3 based on the temporal IEQ parameter data (such as the IEQ values) in comparison with the received 115 IEQ targets for the respective IEQ. Referring to the carbon dioxide IEQ value 267, this is at '1021ppm' which is out of the IEQ target range, namely over an IEQ target threshold of 1000ppm. Accordingly, the indoor air quality is not compliant for the temporal time value. The method further includes generating, at a display, an output indicative 31 of the temporal IEQ compliance of the occupied zone 3. Since the carbon dioxide IEQ value is not compliant, this may include generating 131 an alert that the carbon dioxide IEQ is not compliant. This is illustrated in Fig. 11 where multiple alerts 281 are provided notifying that carbon dioxide IEQ has exceeded the threshold. In addition, the carbon dioxide IEQ value 267 may also be provided in a different colour to draw particular attention to non-compliance. [137] In addition, the method may also provide outputs indicative of cumulative IEQ compliance of the occupied zone. Since the IEQ values are determined for respective temporal IEQ parameter data for respective time values, over an extended period of time spanning multiple time values, a plurality of IEQ parameter data for a plurality of time values can also be determined. This may allow determination of a compliance time for one or more IEQ values, which may indicate a proportion of time over the extended period of time that the IEQ is compliant with the IEQ targets. This is illustrated in Fig. 11 that shows compliance times 283, as a percentage over the previous 24 hours, for thermal comfort 285, lighting 287, acoustics 289, and indoor air quality 291. A time period selection list 293 is provided to allow selection for different time periods for calculating the percentage of compliance time including 3 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. A pie graph 278 illustrating the proportion non compliance by proportion of IEQ type is provided. [138] The IEQ values may also be illustrated in a graph 295. Graph 295 provides the air temperature over a time period of four occupied zones 3, namely 'east', 'west', 'core', and 'kitchen' which are on level 21 of the same building. A list of various IEQ values 297 are provided such that the IEQ value for the graph 295 can be selected. [139] Fig. 12 illustrates a screenshot of the dashboard 200 showing the predicted mean vote in a graph 296 over a 45 day period. A summary of statistics 288 related to the predicted mean vote over this 45 day period is also provided, such as days in the period, hours that the occupied space 3 is compliant with the IEQ targets (i.e. IEQ value for PMV is within a target range), hours that the occupied space is not compliant with IEQ targets (i.e. when the IEQ value for PMV is above the upper threshold for the target range and/or below the lower threshold for the target range), and a percentage of compliance time. A scroll bar 286 allows the building administrator 17 to select a starting time value and an end time value for the period for the displayed results (which in this case is a 45 day period).

32 [140] The dashboard 200 also allows the occupied zones 3 to be displayed by individual occupied zones 3, or aggregated to occupied zones 3 on a floor, or aggregated by building and/or portfolio. As an example, the list 298 allows selection of one or more occupied zones 3 that are particular floor of a building, whereby selection may allow display of IEQ values and other data relevant to the selection. Similarly a list of levels 299 for a building is also provided to allow selection. Determination of a weighted discomfort time based on temporal IEQ parameter data [141] In addition, the method may also determine a weighted discomfort time is based on one or more determined 127 IEQ values (which in turn is based on temporal IEQ parameter data). Long term performance of a building or space is evaluated by calculating the average discomfort time (e.g. hours per day, days per year), weighted by the length and severity of deviation from the target value 115 of each IEQ parameter. Therefore, for example, one hour of non-compliance time 127 can be more than one hour in calculation of weighted discomfort time. Determination of IEQ efficiency based on temporal IEQ parameter data and supplementary data [142] The determination 130 of IEQ efficiency based on temporal IEQ parameter data and supplementary data will now be described in detail. Examples of IEQ efficiency [143] Examples of determining IEQ efficiency are discussed below: [144] IEQ energy efficiency rating is an IEQ efficiency based on one or more IEQ values (or weighted IEQ values) of the occupied zone 3 compared to the building's energy use in association with the particular IEQ parameter(s) in question. In one example, it is defined as a ratio of the level of IEQ comfort defined by the determined IEQ values (or weighted IEQ values) to a building's energy use intensity, adjusted for climate (such as building location and time of year), building size and total number of occupants (per square meter per occupant). [145] IEQ comfort (occupant satisfaction) efficiency rating is the IEQ efficiency based on one or more determined IEQ values (or weighted IEQ values) of the occupied zone 3 compared to the results of temporal and/or summative survey data from occupants 15 of the occupied zone 3.

33 As the results of the temporal and/or summative survey data may include quantitative data derived from responses to questionnaires on a Likert-type scale, this quantitative data may be used with the one or more determined IEQ values to calculate an IEQ comfort efficiency rating. [146] IEQ productivity rating is the IEQ efficiency based on one or more IEQ values (or weighted IEQ values) of the occupied zone 3 compared to the performance and productivity of the occupants 15. Benchmarking and rating against other buildings [147] The method 100 may also include determining 135 a comparative IEQ rating based on the compliance time 127, the weighted discomfort time 130, and the IEQ efficiency 130 of the occupied zones 3 (or aggregate of the occupied zone such as a building) and a corresponding compliance time, weighted discomfort time, and IEQ efficiency rating of another occupied zones (or building). [148] Advantageously, this provides a benchmark in which the occupied zone is benchmarked and/or rated against other buildings. This may provide results that are in context with competing occupied zones. This may provide an improved comparison in contrast with comparisons based merely on an IEQ value with an idealised guidelines (such as from a regulatory body) which may not take into account contextual factors. [149] Benchmarking may be achieved with cumulative frequency distribution of IEQ values (and IEQ ratings) from other occupied zones. This may include historical values stored in the data store 130 and/or contemporaneous values. The results of benchmarking may be provided in a cumulative frequency distribution graph as shown in Fig. 15 which will be described in further detail below. Generation of notifications at a display and the dashboard [150] The dashboard 200 at display 20 serves as one user interface for the building administrator 17 or interested person. Use of this has been described above with reference to Figs. 8 to 15, which includes the dashboard 200 as an interface for assisting in setup, receiving supplementary data, receiving IEQ targets, displaying IEQ values, IEQ compliance and other information.

34 [151] In addition the method 100 includes generating 140 at the display notifications indicative of the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zone 3. This may, in one example, be displayed on the dashboard 200, such as in a report 400 which will now be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. It is to be appreciated that the report 400, or parts thereof, may be displayed on the dashboard and/or may be provided as a separate electronic document accessible by an electronic device. [152] Fig. 14 illustrates a summary 450 of a report for an occupied zone 3 for a one week period. For each of the IEQ considerations, there is provided a compliance time expressed as a percentage including thermal comfort 451, lighting 453, acoustics 455 and indoor air quality 457. Below each of the compliance times are also statistics for each IEQ consideration including compliant occupied hours, noncompliant occupied hours, alerts for the reporting period and location(s) within the occupied zone 3 that had the most alerts. [153] A notification 461 indicative of the IEQ energy efficiency rating is provided, which in this case is an "A+". There is also a notification 463 of a comparative IEQ energy efficiency rating for the occupied zone 3 in comparison with other occupied zones 3 for the reporting week. In particular, the indication shows that the occupied zone 3 is in the top 20% for IEQ energy efficiency when benchmarked with other occupied zones 3. [154] A notification 471 indicative of the IEQ comfort efficiency rating is provided, which in this case is a "B". There is also a notification 473 of a comparative IEQ comfort efficiency rating for the occupied zone 3 in comparison with other occupied zones 3 the reporting week. This indication 473 shows that the occupied zone 3 is in the top 45% for IEQ comfort efficiency when benchmarked with other occupied zones. [155] These notifications indicative of the IEQ efficiency of the occupied zones 3 allow the building administrator to review, quantify and compare the IEQ efficiency of the building. Commercial building owners could use it to evaluate the IEQ efficiency of occupied zones 3 of their buildings to inform the market of the value of the lettable area (the occupied zone). This may also be used by building tenants to determine the IEQ efficiency of the leased area (occupied zone). Engineering, architectural, construction and design firms may also use this as a tool to prove the quality of the delivered work.

35 [156] Referring to Fig. 15, the report 400 may also include a summary 401 of occupant activity in the occupied zone 3. This summary may include a daily summary 403 of a number of occupants 405, the number of occupants per area 407, the number of steps made by the occupants 409, and the number of floors ascended or descended by occupants 411. A graph 413 indicating occupancy of the occupied zone 3 by each hour is provided as well as a graph 415 indicating the number of steps in the occupied zone 3 by each hour of a day. Furthermore, a floorplan 417 with a graphical representation of occupant activity is provided to provide a visual representation of the areas of activity in the occupied zone 3 that may be indicative of frequency and intensity of occupant activity. [157] In a similar manner described previously, information may be selectively displayed and aggregated by the building administrator 17 through the list 419 icons. By allowing selective aggregation or separation of information both spatially (for the and/ or number of occupied zones) and/or temporally (by time or time periods), this allows building administrator 17 to select a desired level of granularity for the information. For example, the building administrator 17 may want to review the performance at different levels of analysis including: a particular occupied zones, a particular group of occupied zones, per floor of a building containing multiple occupied zones, an entire building, or even a whole portfolio of buildings. [158] In addition, the information from the dashboard 200, including IEQ efficiency, may be used for feedback to improve IEQ of the occupied zone 3. Therefore the method may include determining 145 an improvement plan to improve the IEQ of the occupied space. For example, this may include recommendations on settings and timing for the HVAC, lighting, blinds for the occupied space. This may be as a report for the occupants and/or building administrator or it may be automatically sent to a building management system. The improvements plan may also include recommendations for the occupants to alter behaviour to improve IEQ, such as recommendations on activation of lighting, noise generating activities, operation of particular equipment, movement of occupants, and arrangement of equipment and furniture. The improvement plan may also feedback settings, such as building metrics, performance criteria and IEQ targets. [159] The dashboard on the display 20 may provide an easy to use interface for a building administrator to monitor IEQ of occupied spaces in real-time or near real-time. The system 1 may allow a building administrator 17 or other persons to setup the system and review IEQ information easily and without professional expertise in IEQ.

36 Processing device [160] Fig. 16 illustrates an example of a processing device 35, 91. The processing device may be in the form of a computer. The processing device 35, 91 may be used at the monitoring station 5, hub 7 and/or the server 11. The processing device 35, 91 includes a processor 1310, a memory 1320 and an interface device 1340 that communicate with each other via a bus 1330. The memory 1320 may store instructions 1324 and data 1322 for implementing the method 100 described above, and the processor 1310 performs the instructions from the memory 1320 to implement the method 100. The interface device 1340 facilitates communication with the communications network 9 and, in some examples, with the user interface and other peripherals. It should be noted that although the monitoring stations 5, hub 7 and server 11 may be independent network elements, functions performed by the processing device 35, 91 may be distributed between multiple network elements. [161] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the scope as defined in the claims. [162] It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure might be implemented using a variety of technologies. For example, the methods described herein may be implemented by a series of computer executable instructions residing on a suitable computer readable medium. Suitable computer readable media may include volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory, carrier waves and transmission media. Exemplary carrier waves may take the form of electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals conveying digital data steams along a local network or a publically accessible network such as the internet. [163] It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "estimating" or "processing" or "computing" or "calculating", "optimizing" or "determining" or "displaying" or "maximising" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that processes and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

37 [164] The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (6)

1. An indoor environmental quality monitoring station comprising: - a plurality of sensor systems comprising: - a thermal comfort sensor system; - a lighting sensor system; - an acoustic sensor system; and - an indoor air quality sensor system; and - a first processing device to: - receive sensor signals from the plurality of sensor systems; and - send indoor environmental quality data (IEQ data) based on the received sensor signals.

2. An indoor environmental quality monitoring station according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring station is a node of a wireless ad-hoc mesh network, wherein the first processing device is further provided to: - receive further IEQ data from another node; and - send the further IEQ data to one or more further nodes.

3. An indoor environmental quality monitoring station comprising: - a first body having a first processing device and at least one first sensor of the plurality of sensor systems; - a second body having at least one second sensor of the plurality of sensor systems; and 39 - a data communication link for the at least one second sensor to send data to the first processing device, wherein the second body is spatially movable relative to the first body.

4. An indoor environmental quality monitoring station according to claim 3, wherein the first body comprises a vented housing, wherein a plurality of vents allows fluid passage of air to at least one sensor of the indoor air quality sensor system.

5. An indoor environmental quality monitoring station according to either claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one second sensor at the second body comprises at least one of: a globe thermometer, an anemometer, an air temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

6. An indoor environmental quality monitoring system comprising: - one or more indoor environmental quality monitoring station according to any one of the preceding claims; and - a hub comprising: - a second processing device to: - receive IEQ data from the one or more monitoring stations; and - send, over a communications network, to a server temporal IEQ parameter data based on the received IEQ data.