PEOPLEFrancesco Babich

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Francesco Babich

Senior Researcher
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 678

francesco.babich@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2674-2163

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About

Francesco works as Senior Researcher at Eurac Research managing projects and research activities focused on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). His technical field of expertise includes numerical modelling, such as CFD, and experimental research. His work is linked to both research and commercial projects.

He is scientific coordinator and project manager of the H2020 “MEZeroE” and ERDF “New-Air” projects. He is chair of IBPSA Publications Committee, and member of IBPSA Education and Communication Committees. He is a corresponding member of three ASHRAE Technical Committees (TC), namely TC2.1 "Physiology and Human Environment", TC2.3 “Gaseous Air Contaminants and Gas Contaminant Removal Equipment”, and TC4.10 “Indoor Environmental Modeling”.

Google Scholar: https://goo.gl/YPcV1x
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francescobabich/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BabichFrancesco
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesco-Babich
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57193844372

Scientific Publications

Journal article2026

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

Torriani G, Torresin S, Babich F, Zampini M, Albatici R

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Recent advances in multisensory studies have highlighted the potential influence of sensory interactions on human perception. However, the relationship between environmental smells and thermal sensation remains underexplored. This study investigates how exposure to olfactory stimuli influences perceived thermal sensation over time, using two fragrances with “warm” (vanilla) and “cool” (fig) connotations. A controlled experiment was conducted in a living lab in Bolzano (Italy) during winter, involving 24 participants and three identical test rooms: one odourless (control), and two scented with vanilla and fig scents. Participants experienced each condition for 15 min and rated their thermal sensation using a 7-point Thermal Sensation Vote scale at 5-minute intervals. Data analysis using a Cumulative Link Mixed Model revealed that the vanilla scent consistently increased the likelihood of reporting warmer thermal sensations compared to the odourless condition, with the effect strengthening over time and peaking at 15 min. At that timepoint, the probability of perceiving warmth in the vanilla-scented room was approximately 95% higher than in the control setting (p < 0.001). Conversely, the fig scent produced a delayed cooling effect, becoming significant only after 15 min, with an 88% higher probability of reporting cooler sensations compared with the control setting (p < 0.001). These effects are attributable to perceptual and cognitive association mechanisms. The findings suggest that incorporating olfactory cues into building design could enhance perceived thermal comfort without changing the set-point temperature, thereby potentially enabling energy savings.

DOI

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2026.114369

Conference proceedings article2025

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Celik D, Stierstorfer J, Morin C, Garabetian T, Pozza C, Babich F, Gupta A, Raul Morantes Quintana G,

Daniele Antonucci, Francesco Babich, Cristian Pozza, Laura Maturi, Akshit Gupta

Project: EU LIFE BREEZE - Building Renovation Efforts for Zero Emission Buildings

BREEZE (Building Renovation Efforts for Zero Emission Buildings) aims to accelerate the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems into new and renovated buildings across EU Member States in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The project supports national implementation of the Solar Mandate by addressing key technical, financial, and regulatory barriers to large-scale PV deployment. BREEZE focuses on the effective use of rooftop PV, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and balcony PV to improve building energy performance while maintaining architectural quality. By developing standardized tools and practical frameworks, the project promotes cost-effective PV integration in renovation projects and strengthens the link between energy efficiency and on-site renewable generation. Pilot activities in Poland, Italy, and France will test PV deployment strategies under different building types, climates, and regulatory conditions, generating insights applicable across the EU. In parallel, BREEZE advances energy performance assessment methods to ensure compliance with EPBD targets and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) standards. Through capacity-building activities, policy guidance, and best practice development, the project equips policymakers, designers, and industry professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to support a coordinated, sustainable, and scalable approach to solar energy integration in Europe’s building sector.

DOI

DOI: 10.4229/EUPVSEC2025/5DV.3.42

Journal article2025

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Torriani G, Albatici R, Babich F, Vescovi M, Zampini M, Torresin S

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 MEZeroE - Measuring Envelope products and systems contributing to next generation of healthy nearly Zero Energy Buildings

In recent years, research has increasingly explored the relationship between humans, smells, and the built environment. However, a standardized system that fully captures all crucial perceptual dimensions of indoor smellscapes is still missing. To address this gap, a sensory test was conducted in a living lab to identify the underlying perceptual dimensions of indoor smellscapes in office settings. A total of 42 participants assessed 22 olfactory scenarios commonly encountered in offices, delivered through an olfactometer. Participants evaluated these scenarios using 80 unidirectional scales designed to describe human responses to indoor smellscapes, with each descriptor rated on a visual analogue scale (0–100) indicating the degree of "descriptor–smellscape match". Through Principal Component Analysis, Pleasantness, Presence, and Naturalness were identified as the three main perceptual dimensions, explaining 64.78 %, 13.61 %, and 6.91 % of the total variance, respectively. The relationships between principal component scores and smell categories were analysed using linear mixed-effects models, revealing significant effects of olfactory categories on principal components scores. Based on these findings, a measurement system is proposed, structured around a 2D space defined by two orthogonal axes—Pleasantness and Presence—with two additional axes, Engagement and Power, rotated 45° within the same plane. This model identifies key perceptual constructs to be measured (e.g., in post-occupancy evaluations), and specifies attribute scales. Furthermore, the study provides insights into which smell categories influence these perceptual dimensions in office environments. By offering a systematic approach, this framework provides a valuable reference for both research, standardization and practical applications in the built environment.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113044

Journal article2025

Harm from indoor air contaminants in offices

Morantes G, Ibeas IL, Molina C, Sherman MH, Babich F, Jones B

Francesco Babich

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

This study uses a health-centered approach to quantify and compare the chronic harm caused by indoor air contaminants using the Disability-Adjusted Life-Year (DALY). The aim is to understand the chronic harm caused by airborne contaminants in office buildings and identify the most harmful. Harm intensities (HI) are a metric of chronic harm per unit of contaminant concentration. Starting with a broad range of 342 organic and inorganic gases and particulate matter, uncertainty is evaluated in the concentrations of 90 indoor air contaminants commonly found in offices. Chronic harm is estimated from the harm intensities and the concentrations. The most harmful contaminants in offices are fine particulate matter (PM), formaldehyde (HCHO), ozone (O), and coarse particulates (PM), accounting for over 99% of the estimated median time-weighted chronic harm of 300 DALYs/10 person/year (geometric standard deviation of 3.5).

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113365

Journal article2025

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

Torriani G, Torresin S, Albatici R, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Achieving good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in offices goes beyond protecting health; it also enhances comfort, enjoyment, and productivity. While much of the existing literature focuses on how environmental factors (e.g., contaminants, thermal, visual, and acoustic parameters) affect Perceived Air Quality (PAQ), fewer studies have comprehensively explored the influence of building-related (e.g., finishing materials) and occupant-related (e.g., socio-demographic) factors. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this review critically analyses the existing evidence (39 field and laboratory studies) on building- and occupant-related factors that influence PAQ satisfaction in office buildings and their implications for building design and management. According to the review results, building-related factors affecting PAQ satisfaction include HVAC systems, personal comfort systems, operable windows, emissions from furniture and materials, building and office types, and workplace location within the building. Occupant-related factors include socio-demographics, building tenure, country, occupancy rates, and habits such as eating or cleaning. Moreover, the perceived and actual control over the indoor environment significantly influences PAQ satisfaction. Notably, non-IEQ factors like office layout and ventilation rates have a major impact on PAQ, with enclosed private offices increasing satisfaction by 88 % compared to open spaces without partitions and increasing ventilation rates from 3 to 20 L/s per person boosting satisfaction by 63 %. The study promotes a holistic approach to building design and management, empowering all professionals involved (e.g., mechanical engineers, architects, building managers) by highlighting the influence their individual choices can have on PAQ satisfaction.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.111758

Journal article2025

PANDORA: An open-access database of indoor pollutant emission rates for IAQ modeling

Abadie M, Eol G, Picard CF, Loomans M, Babich F, Monge-Barrio A, Licina D, McGill G,

Francesco Babich, Linda Toledo

Modeling indoor air quality requires reliable data on pollutant emission rates (ERs) from indoor sources. While many studies focus on measuring indoor pollutant concentrations, far fewer provide the source-specific ERs needed for predictive modeling, and those that do often report fragmented and non-standardized formats that limit their use. This paper addresses this gap by introducing PANDORA (a comPilAtioN of inDOor aiR pollutAnt emissions), an internet-based open-access database designed to improve consistency and transparency in indoor air quality assessments. PANDORA systematically compiles ERs data for gaseous and particulate pollutants from a wide range of indoor sources. It classifies 747 sources into comprehensive categories such as construction and decoration materials (354), furniture (38), cleaning products and air fresheners (123), occupants and occupant activities (134), heating and cooking appliances (48), electrical equipment (40), whole room or building (6) and others (4). In this paper, we summarize key experimental methods used to assess the pollutants. To aid in informed decision-making, statistical analyses are provided for selected indoor pollutants of interest, including PM_2.5, formaldehyde, benzene, and TVOC. Additionally, we compare the impact of using three different modeling approaches and assumptions through a case study that uses the PANDORA data to evaluate indoor pollutant ERs in a room. This application shows how PANDORA supports more transparent and consistent use of emission rate data. Our findings highlight that, despite compiling 9968 emission rate entries, expanding PANDORA with new measurements will further strengthen the accuracy and reliability of indoor air quality modeling and exposure assessments.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114216

Journal article2025

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

Al-Assaad D, Pigliautile I, Shinoda J, Rawal R, André M, Vashi S, Rugani R, Torriani G,

Francesco Babich, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Personalized Environmental Control Systems (PECS) can improve both comfort and energy efficiency by shifting indoor climate control toward localized, occupant-tailored comfort, unlike conventional systems that condition entire, partly unoccupied spaces uniformly. . Despite their potential, the absence of standardized assessment and reporting methods, and the diversified PECS technical specifics hinder consistent performance evaluation practices. Conducted in the framework of IEA EBC’s Annex 87, this review, based on the PRISMA statement, provides a comprehensive overview of existing methods and indicators used to evaluate the performance of PECS, specifically targeting thermal and air quality domains. A novel three-layered classification approach was applied to categorize PECS types, and reviewed studies were grouped into four methodological categories: building simulation, CFD, chamber, and field studies. The review identifies methods’ usage trends, benefits, and limitations. Among 302 reviewed papers, more than half (61 %) adopt controlled laboratory tests, while CFD is the most used simulation method (68.6 % of simulation studies). Field studies are a minority, highlighting the limited implementation of PECS in real-world scenarios. Simulations are cost effective in rapidly prototyping and developing PECS. However, the insights they provide into PECS performance are limited by either model resolution constraints or high complexity. Comfort evaluations do not consider individual occupant differences nor behavior inherent to PECS. It is through experiments that knowledge can be gained on realistic occupant responses. However, they can be resource intensive and require careful planning. This review provides best practice guidelines to assist researchers in improving quality reporting of their methods.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113471

Conference proceedings article2025

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Torriani G, Torresin S, Babich G, Zampini M, Albatici R

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-06978-8_42

Journal article2025

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Gupta A, Torriani G, Torresin S, Pistore L, Pellegatti M, Piazza L, Miorin F, Pasut W,

Francesco Babich, Annamaria Belleri, Roberto Lollini, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 CULTURAL-E: Climate and cultural based design and market valuable technology solutions for Plus Energy Houses

In warm climates, resilient and low-energy methods for cooling building occupants are needed to ensure energy-efficient and adaptive thermal comfort. Air movement, particularly through ceiling fans, is an effective way to provide comfort in warm conditions, potentially minimizing or even avoiding the need for more energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This study aims to validate an algorithm for automatically adapting ceiling fan speed in residential settings based on room thermal conditions and focuses on subjective thermal satisfaction and perceived air quality (PAQ). An environmental chamber study was conducted with 30 participants across three different indoor air temperature conditions (27 °C, 29 °C, and 31 °C) over 2-hour sessions, testing four fan operational modes: Automatic (downward flow), Manual Direct (downward flow), Manual Reverse (upward flow), and Off. Subjective thermal satisfaction and PAQ were measured using standardized questionnaires on a 7-point Likert scale. Results showed that automatic operation maintained comparable thermal satisfaction levels to manual control, with no statistically significant differences (p > 0.3) across all temperature conditions, indicating that the automatic algorithm successfully provided comfortable environmental conditions comparable to user-controlled settings. Direct flow mode (downward) significantly outperformed reverse flow mode in thermal satisfaction, especially at higher temperatures (29 °C and 31 °C, p < 0.05). Air movement in direct flow improved perceived air quality compared to the no fan condition across all temperatures (p < 0.05). Automatic fan control showed no difference in PAQ satisfaction across all temperature conditions (p > 0.2), while manual and off modes showed decreased satisfaction, particularly from 27 °C to 31 °C (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that automatic ceiling fans can achieve equivalent comfort satisfaction to manual operation while enabling a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. The validated automatic control system provides a practical pathway toward resilient and personalized cooling strategies in residential buildings, contributing to both climate change mitigation and the achievement of plus-energy building goals.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115317

Journal article2024

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Lamberti G, Torriani G, Fantozzi F, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Thermal sensitivity directly impacts occupants' comfort by influencing neutral temperatures and comfort models. The Griffiths method, commonly used to derive thermal sensitivity, often assumes a constant value of 0.5°C^-1 for calculating occupants' neutral temperatures. However, it is important to note that thermal sensitivity can vary depending on factors such as building type, climatic conditions, operation mode (i.e., natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or mixed mode), and occupants' age. This study aims to define whether age-dependent differences in thermal sensitivity exist in schools, achieved through the formulation of specific Griffiths coefficients for each educational stage. A field study was conducted in naturally ventilated classrooms within the same climate zone, collecting 1548 subjective responses and objective measurements from students across different educational stages. The results demonstrate that the thermal sensitivity in schools is lower than the commonly assumed values, especially in primary schools (0.085°C^-1), and it increases with students' age. This variation is reflected in the corresponding neutral temperatures, which also increase with age. Using a constant Griffiths coefficient can lead to significant estimation errors in neutral temperature, potentially up to 1 °C, impacting both comfort and energy consumption. This study emphasizes that there are different thermal comfort expectations related to students’ age. To improve the reliability of adaptive thermal comfort models and ensure accurate neutral temperatures estimations, it is essential for future research to consider the students' age when evaluating the thermal sensitivity.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.109081

Conference proceedings article2024

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Torriani G, Ibeas IL, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Building tight for minimizing building energy consumption and related carbon emissions might negatively affect indoor air quality (IAQ) if this is not correctly designed and evaluated during operation. To address this concern, a post occupancy evaluation study was conducted in a recent large office building in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Italy). The aim of the study was to collect evidence from a relevant case study and use it as a basis to define a standardized strategy for continuous monitoring of a larger portfolio of office buildings. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), air temperature, and relative humidity were recorded 24/7 for a 5-week period in winter 2023. Detailed spot measurements of VOCs and aldehydes were also carried out. Perceived air quality (PAQ) was evaluated through satisfaction surveys which covered various factors influencing PAQ including 14 potential sources of dissatisfaction. A cross-modal approach allowed for a comprehensive examination of the different domains (thermal, visual, acoustic, and IAQ) on PAQ. Measured contaminants’ levels were below recommended limits. Overall, participants were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with PAQ, and possible related sources of dissatisfaction were elements such as the relative humidity. Sick building syndrome (SBS) selfreported symptoms such as dry skin and itchy eyes confirmed potentially too low relative humidity levels.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1051/e3sconf/202452306007

Journal article2024

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach

Torriani G, Torresin S, Lara-Ibeas I, Albatici R, Babich F

Francesco Babich, Giulia Torriani

Project: IT BZ Breath - Indoor air quality and health in Province offices

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has significant impacts on office occupants’ productivity, well-being and health. Addressing IAQ not only means ensuring that contaminants are below harmful concentration but also that people exposed are satisfied. However, current standards often lack clear metrics and thresholds dedicated to Perceived Air Quality (PAQ). Therefore, it is important to examine whether there is a prevalent method in the literature that could lead towards standardization. This review study constitutes the first comprehensive critical exploration of the subject. Adopting the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the objective is to synthesize and compare diverse methods (subjective vs instrumental evaluations; object of judgment; component of perception; rating scales) for assessing PAQ in office buildings, based on insights from 93 field and laboratory studies. Results show that the assessment of PAQ predominantly relies on questionnaires (90%), with a very smaller percentage using alternative methods such as olfactory indices, diaries, interviews, sensory testing, and text mining techniques. Workers’ satisfaction is the most commonly evaluated aspect in PAQ questionnaires, often measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Odours are typically characterized in terms of intensity by utilizing a continuous 6-point unidirectional scale. Olfactory stimuli are usually considered with a negative connotation, being the absence of odour the target of IAQ design. The present study proposes a future research agenda that introduces the importance of a perceptual approach to evaluate the indoor olfactory environments (or smellscapes), aiming to create working spaces that are not only odour-neutral but also olfactorily pleasant.

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111645

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Journal article2025

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Gupta A, Torriani G, Torresin S, Pistore L, Pellegatti M, Piazza L, Miorin F, Pasut W,

Francesco Babich, Annamaria Belleri, Roberto Lollini, Akshit Gupta, Giulia Torriani

Project: EU H2020 CULTURAL-E: Climate and cultural based design and market valuable technology solutions for Plus Energy Houses

DOI Source

DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2025.115317

Francesco Babich

About

Scientific Publications

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Harm from indoor air contaminants in offices

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

PANDORA: An open-access database of indoor pollutant emission rates for IAQ modeling

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach

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Scientific Publications

Smells modulate thermal sensation: A multisensory study in office environments during winter

BREEZE Project: Advancing PV Implementation in Building Renovations

Developing a principal components model of indoor smellscape perception in office buildings

Harm from indoor air contaminants in offices

Influence of building- and occupant-related factors on perceived air quality (PAQ) in offices: A systematic review

PANDORA: An open-access database of indoor pollutant emission rates for IAQ modeling

Personalized environmental control systems (PECS): A systematic review of performance evaluation methods for thermal comfort, air quality and energy

The Role of Warm Ambient Fragrances in Shaping Winter Thermal Comfort: A Linear Mixed Models Analysis in Office Spaces

Thermal comfort and perceived air quality (PAQ) using automatic ceiling fans in residential buildings

Deriving thermal sensitivity across educational stages: Evidence-based definition of Griffiths' coefficient

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings: Insights from a Field Study

Perceived air quality (PAQ) assessment methods in office buildings: a systematic review towards an indoor smellscape approach