A European project started at the end of 1992, in which, in addition t
o current methods, trained sensory panels were used to investigate off
ice buildings all over Europe. The main aim of this EC-Audit was to de
velop assessment procedures and guidance on ventilation and source con
trol, to help optimize energy use in buildings while assuring good ind
oor air quality. In each of nine countries, six or more office buildin
gs were selected. Measurements were performed at five selected locatio
ns in each building. The buildings were studied while normally occupie
d and ventilated to identify the pollution sources in the spaces and t
o quantify the total pollution load caused by the occupants and their
activities, as well as the ventilation systems. The investigation incl
uded physical and chemical measurements, assessment of the perceived a
ir quality in the spaces by a trained sensory panel, and measurement o
f the outdoor air supply to the spaces. A questionnaire for evaluating
retrospective and immediate symptoms and perceptions was given to the
occupants of the buildings. The building characteristics were describ
ed by use of a check-list. The annual energy consumption of the buildi
ngs and the weather conditions were registered. This paper presents re
sults and conclusions of the audit in 56 buildings in Europe. However,
the analysis and discussions of the results are a summary of the work
done, and are focused mainly on comparison between sensory assessment
s and the other measurements performed. Furthermore, this paper brings
the results of the study based on a two-factor analysis. A paper deal
ing with results on a multifactorial analysis is in preparation. (C) I
ndoor Air (1996).