Resources supporting Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) and Performance Target (PT) models
Protocols
WHO developed a set of protocols for measuring key input data that are needed to run the Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) and Performance Target (PT) models. Each protocol provides step-by-step guidance for collecting the necessary data in the field.
Protocols are available for assessing:
- Air change rate: the frequency at which indoor air is replaced with outdoor air
- Kitchen volume: the size of the room in which cooking, heating or lighting devices are used
- Device use time: the average number of minutes that the cooking, heating, or lighting device is used per day
- Other parameters, including: fraction of emissions entering the room (i.e. the proportion of emissions from a device that enters the room instead of being vented outside such as through a chimney), background pollution concentration (i.e. ambient air pollution levels), exposure factors (i.e. the proportion of kitchen concentrations to which an individual is exposed), and emission rates (i.e. the amount of pollution that a device produces per units of time or energy produced).
Database of input variables
In addition to the protocols, WHO developed an interactive Database of input variables for the WHO Household Multiple Emission Sources (HOMES) and Performance Targets (PT) Models. Values were compiled from research studies conducted in multiple countries from different WHO regions. This database is a valuable resource for countries and implementers who may not have the resources or time to collect the input data needed for the models. Users can find data from countries or settings most similar to their own to use the data as input values in the HOMES and PT models. The database contains data from research studies on:
- Air exchange rate
- Kitchen volume
- Device use time/cooking time
- Emissions rate (PM2.5 and CO)
Access the protocols
Access the database
28 February 2020
Air Change Rate - Input Parameter Protocol
Room air change rate is an input parameter for the WHO HOMES and PT models and is the primary driver in the removal of pollutants generated in any given...
28 February 2020
Stove Usage - Input Parameter Protocol
There are different approaches to measuring the amount of time that emissions sources are running, which include: a direct measurement with stove use sensors,...
28 February 2020
Kitchen Volume - Input Parameter Protocol
Kitchen volume is generally straightforward to measure and can be assessed relatively rapidly with simple equipment. For the purposes of the WHO Household...
28 February 2020
Indirect Measurements - Input Parameter Protocol
The parameters described in this protocol are generally not directly measured when collecting data for use with the model, primarily due to the difficulty...
Tool feedback
To report a problem, ask a question, or share feedback, please contact householdenergy@who.int.
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