Development of an Electromagnetic Pollution Rating Index for Buildings

Serap Duman; Osman Cerezci; Suayb Cagri Yener; Baha Kanberoglu; Feyza Selamet

doi:10.46604/emsi.2026.15721

Authors

Serap Duman Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
Osman Cerezci Department of Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey
Suayb Cagri Yener Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
Baha Kanberoglu Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
Feyza Selamet Department of Computer Engineering, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46604/emsi.2026.15721

Keywords:

electromagnetic radiation, green building, electromagnetic pollution rating index (EPRI), indoor environmental quality, green building certificate

Abstract

Rapid technological development and the intensive use of electrical energy in buildings create electromagnetic pollution. This pollution is further intensified by external radiation from base stations and transmission lines. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure as a Class 2B carcinogen. To address this, this study proposes a novel electromagnetic pollution rating index (EPRI). This index integrates into green building certification systems, such as leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) and building research establishment environmental assessment method (BREEAM). The EPRI methodology applies risk reduction factors (10–1000×) to international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection (ICNIRP) reference limits. A case study conducted in a 7,600 m² municipal building involves 760 measurements at extremely low frequency (ELF) and radio frequency (RF) ranges. Results reveal maximum values of 4.9 V/m and values of 0.43 µT. These qualify for the highest A+++ rating, demonstrating the practical applicability of EPRI in certifying electromagnetically clean indoor environments.

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