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Assessment of Indoor Air Quality in Naturally Ventilated Academic Buildings

Abstract

Indoor air quality is an important aspect of healthy and comfortable learning environments, particularly in academic buildings that depend largely on natural ventilation. Classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and other occupied spaces require adequate air exchange to control indoor pollutants, odours, heat, and moisture. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to discomfort, reduced concentration, and dissatisfaction among building users. Assessing indoor air quality in naturally ventilated academic buildings is therefore important for improving learning environments and supporting occupant wellbeing. This study assesses indoor air quality in naturally ventilated academic buildings, focusing on the relationship between ventilation conditions, occupancy patterns, building characteristics, and indoor environmental quality. The assessment considers spaces such as classrooms, lecture halls, offices, and study areas that rely primarily on windows, vents, courtyards, and other passive openings for air movement. Attention is given to variations in indoor conditions across different spaces and periods of building use. The study examines factors including ventilation opening size, window configuration, building orientation, room geometry, occupancy density, and the positioning of doors and windows. The effectiveness of natural ventilation depends on the ability of these elements to facilitate adequate air exchange and distribute fresh air throughout occupied spaces. Obstructions, poorly positioned openings, high occupancy, and limited cross-ventilation may reduce ventilation effectiveness and contribute to the accumulation of indoor pollutants. Environmental conditions such as indoor temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, particulate matter, and odours are also considered as indicators of indoor air quality. The relationship between these conditions and patterns of occupancy and ventilation behaviour is examined to identify factors that may contribute to poor indoor environments. User behaviour, including window-opening practices and the use of doors or mechanical fans, may also influence ventilation performance in naturally ventilated buildings. The assessment further considers architectural and operational challenges affecting indoor air quality in academic buildings. High student occupancy, inadequate ventilation openings, noise concerns, external pollution, security considerations, and poor maintenance can limit the effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies. Balancing adequate fresh-air provision with thermal comfort, acoustic performance, energy efficiency, and building security is therefore an important consideration in the design and management of academic facilities. The study aims to identify the architectural, environmental, and operational factors influencing indoor air quality in naturally ventilated academic buildings. The findings are expected to provide useful guidance for improving ventilation performance and creating healthier and more comfortable learning environments. The research may assist architects, educational planners, facility managers, and building operators in developing and maintaining academic buildings that effectively support natural ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality.

Keywords: Indoor air quality, natural ventilation, academic buildings, educational facilities, classroom environment, ventilation performance, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, thermal comfort, occupancy density, window design, air movement, building performance, environmental quality.