Authors : Farhana Ahmed; Rumana Rashid

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar523

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Abstract : Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become an important concern in residential building design because it directly affects occupants’ health, comfort, and environmental performance. Among different indoor spaces, kitchens are considered one of the most critical zones influencing IAQ due to pollutant generation during cooking activities. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is widely used as an indicator of ventilation effectiveness and indoor air quality. However, many residential apartment kitchens in Dhaka are designed with limited façade exposure and small window openings, which may lead to inadequate natural ventilation and increased pollutant accumulation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of window opening configuration and operable window area on indoor CO₂ concentration in naturally ventilated residential apartment kitchens in Dhaka City. The objectives include analysing CO₂ variation during different cooking phases, examining the influence of window opening conditions, evaluating the effect of kitchen orientation, and comparing seasonal differences in ventilation performance. A quantitative field-based research methodology was adopted. Field measurements were conducted in representative residential apartments using a HOBO CO₂ data logger and Testo instruments. Indoor CO₂ concentration was monitored at five-minute intervals during three cooking phases: before cooking, during cooking, and after cooking. The study analysed four window opening configurations (100% closed, 25% open, 50% open, and 100% open), four kitchen orientations, and two seasonal conditions (summer and winter).The results indicate that cooking activities significantly increase indoor CO₂ concentration, with peak levels reaching approximately 1850–2100 ppm under closed-window conditions. Increasing window opening area significantly improves ventilation performance and pollutant removal. Seasonal variation also affects pollutant behaviour, with winter conditions showing slower pollutant decay. The findings highlight the importance of operable window area in improving natural ventilation performance in residential kitchens. Adequate window design and effective ventilation strategies are therefore recommended to enhance indoor air quality in high-density residential environments.

Keywords : Indoor Air Quality, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Natural Ventilation, Residential Kitchens, Window Opening Configuration, Dhaka Apartments.

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