Since the implementation of the Energy Performance of Building Directive, EPBD, in general, and
the entrance into force of the respective Portuguese codes, in particular, buildings are requested to
have better energy performances. However, during the buildings performance evaluation, energy
issues should not be the only concerns since the indoor environmental quality is also as important.
Thus, in this paper it is presented an “in-situ” evaluation of the Portuguese building stock regarding
several parameters related to indoor environmental quality (IEQ), envelope thermal quality and
operating conditions, natural illumination levels, thermal and acoustic comfort and indoor air quality.
During the measurement campaign were evaluated several buildings that encompass different types
of construction solutions, climatic zones and construction periods. One of the major objectives of this
study was to support the development of building solutions that can optimize all the relevant
parameters to the IEQ. Another important objective is the dissemination of the results through public
entities, such as construction companies and design teams in order to influence the buildings projects
to include other parameters than energy during the design process. Even though the measuring
campaign is still in progress, there are already some preliminary results that show that, in average,
the Portuguese buildings have a poor envelope thermal resistance, untreated thermal bridges,
unsuitable natural illumination levels, several problems regarding high concentration of some
pollutants like CO2 or VOC and also problems with acoustic discomfort due to an inadequate sound
insulation
