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Although issues concerning indoor environments and their interaction with humans span many disciplines, such as aerosol technology, environmental psychology, health, and building physics, they are often studied separately. This study describes a research project with the transdisciplinary aim of bridging such disciplinary boundaries. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the twelve project members to explore their understanding of transdisciplinarity regarding the conceptual as well as social aspects of collective learning and leadership and the measures taken to achieve this. The interviews were coded in NVivo (QSR International, Doncaster, Australia), which was used to identify themes concerning notions associated with transdisciplinarity, collective leadership, collective intelligence, and learning. A shared understanding of transdisciplinarity meant that the researchers transcended their disciplinary boundaries by moving into each other’s fields. This collective learning process was facilitated by introductory lectures on each other’s fields, contributing to collective leadership and a safe atmosphere. We argue that a transdisciplinary approach is appropriate in order to address indoor environment issues as well other complex problems, for which additional time and resources should be allocated for individual and collective learning processes.
Kristian Stålne; Eja Pedersen. Transdisciplinary Research on Indoor Environment and Health as a Social Process. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4379 .
AMA StyleKristian Stålne, Eja Pedersen. Transdisciplinary Research on Indoor Environment and Health as a Social Process. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (8):4379.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKristian Stålne; Eja Pedersen. 2021. "Transdisciplinary Research on Indoor Environment and Health as a Social Process." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 8: 4379.
Sustainable housing that both creates good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and avoids unnecessary energy use has proved difficult to realize. Renovations of multifamily houses provide an opportunity to find this balance. This study concerns whether tenants perceive that conditions for achieving sufficient IEQ with low energy use exist. Focus group interviews with 42 participants, in areas where the rents were in the lower range and included heating up to 21 °C, aimed to capture the tenants' perceptions of: IEQ and actions taken to regulate it; information and control; the connections between IEQ and energy use; and the role of the housing company. Good IEQ was crucial to interviewees, who described it as sufficient heat without draughts, ability to ventilate, and no disturbing sounds or smells. The main responsibility was attributed to the housing company, but daily regulation controlled by tenants. However, unclear interfaces between tenants and the systems that regulate IEQ make it difficult for tenants to act as a positive part of the system. Tenants did not link IEQ to energy use. A holistic view of the physical environment's affordances, including intuitive interfaces, could optimize the balance between good IEQ and energy use.
Eja Pedersen; Jonas Borell; Yujing Li; Kristian Stålne. Good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and high energy efficiency in multifamily dwellings: How do tenants view the conditions needed to achieve both? Building and Environment 2021, 191, 107581 .
AMA StyleEja Pedersen, Jonas Borell, Yujing Li, Kristian Stålne. Good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and high energy efficiency in multifamily dwellings: How do tenants view the conditions needed to achieve both? Building and Environment. 2021; 191 ():107581.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen; Jonas Borell; Yujing Li; Kristian Stålne. 2021. "Good indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and high energy efficiency in multifamily dwellings: How do tenants view the conditions needed to achieve both?" Building and Environment 191, no. : 107581.
Much of the 1950–1970s building stock in Sweden and other European countries is being renovated to reduce energy use and for general upgrading. To realize the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the renovations should also improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ). The PEIRE (People-Environment-Indoor-Renovation-Energy) study followed the renovation of a multifamily housing area in Sweden comprising 14 buildings with 323 dwellings in total. We aimed to investigate tenant perception of IEQ changes after the renovation with focus on perceived control of IEQ, recalling of being informed how to control IEQ, and if tenants with self-reported symptoms perceive the changes differently. A post-renovation survey (n = 104, response rate 36%) showed that the renovation increased the proportion of residents experiencing satisfactory thermal comfort and air quality in the winter, as well as improved noise conditions. Perceiving reduced draught in the thermal environment was associated with experiencing being informed and being able to control heat and ventilation. Respondents reporting skin irritation symptoms were less likely than others to perceive any improvements of IEQ factors such as air quality, daylight, noise from installations and neighbours, and periods of excessive heat. Renovations targeting housing sustainability – here, decreasing energy use and mitigating wear and tear while keeping the rents low – could increase tenant perceptions of improved IEQ, especially if factors concerning information and tenants’ ability to control the regulating systems are addressed. Interestingly, results of this study point out that tenants experiencing IEQ-related symptoms may require enhanced IEQ improvements to experience the renovation as satisfactory.
Eja Pedersen; Chuansi Gao; Aneta Wierzbicka. Tenant perceptions of post-renovation indoor environmental quality in rental housing: Improved for some, but not for those reporting health-related symptoms. Building and Environment 2020, 189, 107520 .
AMA StyleEja Pedersen, Chuansi Gao, Aneta Wierzbicka. Tenant perceptions of post-renovation indoor environmental quality in rental housing: Improved for some, but not for those reporting health-related symptoms. Building and Environment. 2020; 189 ():107520.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen; Chuansi Gao; Aneta Wierzbicka. 2020. "Tenant perceptions of post-renovation indoor environmental quality in rental housing: Improved for some, but not for those reporting health-related symptoms." Building and Environment 189, no. : 107520.
Energy efficiency measures in residential buildings typically include changes in ventilation and heating systems, and increased thermal insulation of the building envelope. The expected energy efficiency is not always reached, despite large knowledge and professional implementation of each separate measure. There is a lack in understanding of how technical systems interact, and how the occupants are influenced by and in turn influence the systems by their behaviour. A holistic view and a transdisciplinary research approach are needed to understand relevant interactions and propose integrated energy efficiency measures. The aim of this paper is to reveal challenges in transdisciplinary research projects that include real world studies on both humans and technical systems with measurements before and after renovation of multifamily housing. It is based on experiences from the PEIRE-project (People, Environment, Indoor, Renovation, Energy) carried out by a research team with expertise on environmental psychology, human behaviour, interaction design, universal design, building physics, building services, thermal comfort, aerosol technology, exposure assessment, acoustics, daylight, and complex thinking. Differences in theoretical bases and methodology needed to be dealt with. Metatheory building could help with the transition from a multi- to a transdisciplinary understanding.
Eja Pedersen; Jonas Borell; Héctor Caltenco; Mats Dahlblom; Chuansi Gao; Lars-Erik Harderup; Yujing Li; Birgitta Nordquist; Kristian Stålne; Petter Wallentén; Aneta Wierzbicka. Challenges in Transdisciplinary Research—Example from a Study on People as Part of Energy and Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings (PEIRE). Springer Proceedings in Energy 2018, 803 -812.
AMA StyleEja Pedersen, Jonas Borell, Héctor Caltenco, Mats Dahlblom, Chuansi Gao, Lars-Erik Harderup, Yujing Li, Birgitta Nordquist, Kristian Stålne, Petter Wallentén, Aneta Wierzbicka. Challenges in Transdisciplinary Research—Example from a Study on People as Part of Energy and Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings (PEIRE). Springer Proceedings in Energy. 2018; ():803-812.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen; Jonas Borell; Héctor Caltenco; Mats Dahlblom; Chuansi Gao; Lars-Erik Harderup; Yujing Li; Birgitta Nordquist; Kristian Stålne; Petter Wallentén; Aneta Wierzbicka. 2018. "Challenges in Transdisciplinary Research—Example from a Study on People as Part of Energy and Ventilation Systems in Residential Buildings (PEIRE)." Springer Proceedings in Energy , no. : 803-812.
The number of onshore wind turbines in Europe has greatly increased over recent years, a trend which can be expected to continue. However, the effects of wind turbine noise on long-term health outcomes for residents living near wind farms is largely unknown, although sleep disturbance may be a cause for particular concern. Presented here are two pilot studies with the aim of examining the acoustical properties of wind turbine noise that might be of special relevance regarding effects on sleep. In both pilots, six participants spent five consecutive nights in a sound environment laboratory. During three of the nights, participants were exposed to wind turbine noise with variations in sound pressure level, amplitude modulation strength and frequency, spectral content, turbine rotational frequency and beating behaviour. The impact of noise on sleep was measured using polysomnography and questionnaires. During nights with wind turbine noise there was more frequent awakening, less deep sleep, less continuous N2 sleep and increased subjective disturbance compared to control nights. The findings indicated that amplitude modulation strength, spectral frequency and the presence of strong beats might be of particular importance for adverse sleep effects. The findings will be used in the development of experimental exposures for use in future, larger studies.
Julia Ageborg Morsing; Michael G. Smith; Mikael Ögren; Pontus Thorsson; Eja Pedersen; Jens Forssén; Kerstin Persson Waye. Wind Turbine Noise and Sleep: Pilot Studies on the Influence of Noise Characteristics. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 2573 .
AMA StyleJulia Ageborg Morsing, Michael G. Smith, Mikael Ögren, Pontus Thorsson, Eja Pedersen, Jens Forssén, Kerstin Persson Waye. Wind Turbine Noise and Sleep: Pilot Studies on the Influence of Noise Characteristics. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (11):2573.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia Ageborg Morsing; Michael G. Smith; Mikael Ögren; Pontus Thorsson; Eja Pedersen; Jens Forssén; Kerstin Persson Waye. 2018. "Wind Turbine Noise and Sleep: Pilot Studies on the Influence of Noise Characteristics." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 11: 2573.
Indoor environments have a large impact on health and well-being, so it is important to understand what makes them healthy and sustainable. There is substantial knowledge on individual factors and their effects, though understanding how factors interact and what role occupants play in these interactions (both causative and receptive) is lacking. We aimed to: (i) explore interactions between factors and potential risks if these are not considered from holistic perspective; and (ii) identify components needed to advance research on indoor environments. The paper is based on collaboration between researchers from disciplines covering technical, behavioural, and medical perspectives. Outcomes were identified through literature reviews, discussions and workshops with invited experts and representatives from various stakeholder groups. Four themes emerged and were discussed with an emphasis on occupant health: (a) the bio-psycho-social aspects of health; (b) interaction between occupants, buildings and indoor environment; (c) climate change and its impact on indoor environment quality, thermal comfort and health; and (d) energy efficiency measures and indoor environment. To advance the relevant research, the indoor environment must be considered a dynamic and complex system with multiple interactions. This calls for a transdisciplinary and holistic approach and effective collaboration with various stakeholders.
Aneta Wierzbicka; Eja Pedersen; Roger Persson; Birgitta Nordquist; Kristian Stålne; Chuansi Gao; Lars-Erik Harderup; Jonas Borell; Héctor Caltenco; Barry Ness; Emilie Stroh; Yujing Li; Mats Dahlblom; Karin Lundgren-Kownacki; Christina Isaxon; Anders Gudmundsson; Pawel Wargocki. Healthy Indoor Environments: The Need for a Holistic Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 1874 .
AMA StyleAneta Wierzbicka, Eja Pedersen, Roger Persson, Birgitta Nordquist, Kristian Stålne, Chuansi Gao, Lars-Erik Harderup, Jonas Borell, Héctor Caltenco, Barry Ness, Emilie Stroh, Yujing Li, Mats Dahlblom, Karin Lundgren-Kownacki, Christina Isaxon, Anders Gudmundsson, Pawel Wargocki. Healthy Indoor Environments: The Need for a Holistic Approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (9):1874.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAneta Wierzbicka; Eja Pedersen; Roger Persson; Birgitta Nordquist; Kristian Stålne; Chuansi Gao; Lars-Erik Harderup; Jonas Borell; Héctor Caltenco; Barry Ness; Emilie Stroh; Yujing Li; Mats Dahlblom; Karin Lundgren-Kownacki; Christina Isaxon; Anders Gudmundsson; Pawel Wargocki. 2018. "Healthy Indoor Environments: The Need for a Holistic Approach." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 9: 1874.
Wetlands in urban areas will be crucial to counteract the effects of climate change, for example, by improving flood protection and regulating local climate. To gain acceptance for larger-scale creation of wetlands, total values must be identified and revealed. Provisioning and regulating ecosystem services can be described as the quantitative effect, but cultural ecosystem services require other assessments. This study sought to determine whether peri-urban and urban wetland areas contribute to the well-being and quality of life of nearby residents, and to capture their value relative to two other types of green areas (i.e., parks and urban forests). A postal questionnaire survey, based on validated environmental psychology instruments, was distributed to residents in three municipalities with wetland areas of different structures and locations. In these municipalities, respondents (n = 474; response rate = 40%) reported that the wetland area contributed to several quality-of-life aspects, such as encountering nature and experiencing beauty. The areas also facilitated activities that support well-being, were perceived to have high restorative qualities, and evoked positive affective responses. All wetland areas were rated high on most of the measured concepts, but their value relative to other green areas differed possibly depending on the accessibility of the wetland and the availability of other green areas. The location and extent to which the wetland area was integrated in the residential area determined what quality-of-life aspects were most satisfied. Wetland areas can be ascribed cultural ecosystem service values based on how residents perceive their contribution to their quality of life. These values can be added to those of provisioning and regulating ecosystem services, forming the basis for planning urban environments.
Eja Pedersen; Stefan E.B. Weisner; Maria Johansson. Wetland areas' direct contributions to residents' well-being entitle them to high cultural ecosystem values. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 646, 1315 -1326.
AMA StyleEja Pedersen, Stefan E.B. Weisner, Maria Johansson. Wetland areas' direct contributions to residents' well-being entitle them to high cultural ecosystem values. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 646 ():1315-1326.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen; Stefan E.B. Weisner; Maria Johansson. 2018. "Wetland areas' direct contributions to residents' well-being entitle them to high cultural ecosystem values." Science of The Total Environment 646, no. : 1315-1326.
Rail transport is an environmentally responsible approach and traffic is expected to increase in the coming decades. Little is known about the implications for quality of life of populations living close to railways. This study explores the way in which vibrations from rail are perceived and described by these populations. The study took place in the Västra Götaland and Värmland regions of Sweden. A qualitative study approach was undertaken using semi-structured interviews within a framework of predetermined questions in participants’ homes. A 26.3% response rate was achieved and 17 participants were interviewed. The experience of vibrations was described in tangible terms through different senses. Important emerging themes included habituation to and acceptance of vibrations, worry about property damage, worry about family members and general safety. Participants did not reflect on health effects, however, chronic exposure to vibrations through multimodal senses in individual living environments may reduce the possibility for restoration in the home. Lack of empowerment to reduce exposure to vibrations was important. This may alter individual coping strategies, as taking actions to avoid the stressor is not possible. The adoption of other strategies, such as avoidance, may negatively affect an individual’s ability to cope with the stressor and their health.
Laura MacLachlan; Kerstin Persson Waye; Eja Pedersen. Exploring Perception of Vibrations from Rail: An Interview Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 1303 .
AMA StyleLaura MacLachlan, Kerstin Persson Waye, Eja Pedersen. Exploring Perception of Vibrations from Rail: An Interview Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (11):1303.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura MacLachlan; Kerstin Persson Waye; Eja Pedersen. 2017. "Exploring Perception of Vibrations from Rail: An Interview Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 11: 1303.
LED technology provides new opportunities to change the illuminance on pedestrian pathways in response to the presence of people. This study explores possible effects of dimming as such on walking, legibility and perception. In an indoor full-scale laboratory, 61 participants walked along a 19-m pathway with a motion-detection sensor 10 m before an LED luminaire. The participants walked significantly slower under dimmed than static lighting conditions, even after the illuminance had increased. Legibility decreased with the extent of dimming. The larger the difference in illuminance between dimmed and full light, the stronger the self-reported reaction. The results indicate that changes in illuminance affect walking, and that legibility and perception are affected by the overall lighting design of pedestrian pathways rather than by dimming as such.
E Pedersen; M Johansson. Dynamic pedestrian lighting: Effects on walking speed, legibility and environmental perception. Lighting Research & Technology 2016, 50, 522 -536.
AMA StyleE Pedersen, M Johansson. Dynamic pedestrian lighting: Effects on walking speed, legibility and environmental perception. Lighting Research & Technology. 2016; 50 (4):522-536.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE Pedersen; M Johansson. 2016. "Dynamic pedestrian lighting: Effects on walking speed, legibility and environmental perception." Lighting Research & Technology 50, no. 4: 522-536.
Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and “quiet” experience that supported recovery and induced “soft fascination”. Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients’ behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.
Gunnar Cerwén; Eja Pedersen; Anna-María Pálsdóttir. The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2016, 13, 1229 .
AMA StyleGunnar Cerwén, Eja Pedersen, Anna-María Pálsdóttir. The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2016; 13 (12):1229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGunnar Cerwén; Eja Pedersen; Anna-María Pálsdóttir. 2016. "The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 12: 1229.
Urban densification increases exposure to noise, light, odour, and vibration in urban dwellings. Exposure from combined environmental stressors intruding into the home could increase the risk of adverse effects on wellbeing, even when the exposure is at a relatively low level. This study assesses the prevalence of annoyance with a combination of potential environmental stressors common in urban areas and the association with wellbeing. A questionnaire was sent by mail to residents in five areas in Halmstad (Sweden) with similar socioeconomic and housing characteristics but different exposure (response rate 56%; n = 385). Of the respondents, 50% were annoyed to some degree by at least one of the suggested stressors, most commonly by noise and vibration from local traffic. Structural equation modelling showed that annoyance led to lowered quality of life via the mediating construct residential satisfaction, which in turn was influenced by place attachment and perceived restoration possibilities in the dwelling. Stress had a negative impact on quality of life, but was not directly correlated to annoyance. Stress was however correlated with sensitivity. The findings suggest that dose-response relationships for environmental stressors should be studied in a broader context of environmental and individual factors. Also relatively low levels of exposure should be mitigated, especially if several stressors are present.
Eja Pedersen. City Dweller Responses to Multiple Stressors Intruding into Their Homes: Noise, Light, Odour, and Vibration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2015, 12, 3246 -3263.
AMA StyleEja Pedersen. City Dweller Responses to Multiple Stressors Intruding into Their Homes: Noise, Light, Odour, and Vibration. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2015; 12 (3):3246-3263.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen. 2015. "City Dweller Responses to Multiple Stressors Intruding into Their Homes: Noise, Light, Odour, and Vibration." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 12, no. 3: 3246-3263.
This study explores factors associated with the individual's appraisal of anticipated environmental changes caused by energy production facilities. The study took place in a Swedish village where exploratory drilling, that could eventually lead to a uranium mine, was being conducted at the same time as a wind farm was approved. Results from the survey, which included the total population, were interpreted in the light of cognitive stress theory. Most residents thought that the wind farm would have a positive impact on the village but that the uranium drilling would have a negative impact; these opinions were closely related to attitudes towards wind and nuclear power. Perceiving the wind farm as positive was further predicted by young age, high education, being an ordinary rather than a committed recycler and having attended a meeting about the wind farm. A negative view of uranium drilling was predicted by the individual valuing closeness to nature, being a recycler, and having attended the uranium meeting. Psychological factors such as concerns for the environment (manifested as pro-environmental behaviour), valuing closeness to nature, and involvement impinge on the appraisal process and should be considered when new developments are presented.
Eja Pedersen; Maria Johansson. Wind power or uranium mine: Appraisal of two energy-related environmental changes in a local context. Energy Policy 2012, 44, 312 -319.
AMA StyleEja Pedersen, Maria Johansson. Wind power or uranium mine: Appraisal of two energy-related environmental changes in a local context. Energy Policy. 2012; 44 ():312-319.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEja Pedersen; Maria Johansson. 2012. "Wind power or uranium mine: Appraisal of two energy-related environmental changes in a local context." Energy Policy 44, no. : 312-319.