A Review of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Parameters and Their Impact on Occupant Satisfaction in Educational Buildings
Abstract
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of health, satisfaction, and performance in educational buildings. This literature review synthesizes findings from 26 studies conducted across diverse geographic and educational contexts, focusing on four core IEQ parameters: thermal comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ), lighting, and acoustic conditions. The analysis reveals that while each IEQ component individually influences occupant satisfaction, their cumulative and interactive effects are more indicative of overall comfort and well-being. Key themes emerging from the review include the importance of adaptive thermal and ventilation strategies, the value of natural lighting paired with glare control, and the significant role of acoustic quality in cognitive performance, especially among younger learners. Methodologically, the reviewed studies employ a mix of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including field measurements, post-occupancy evaluations, and statistical modeling (e.g., SEM). While technological and design innovations such as green certifications and smart retrofits show promise, the review highlights that such interventions do not always translate into higher occupant satisfaction if not aligned with user needs. The findings underscore the importance of context-specific and user-centric strategies in IEQ planning, especially in educational settings where prolonged exposure, high occupancy, and varying age groups amplify the stakes of environmental quality. This paper concludes by recommending a holistic, evidence-based approach to IEQ management, integrating subjective occupant feedback with objective monitoring, particularly in resource-constrained and climatically diverse regions.
Keywords
Acoustics, Indoor Air Quality, Lighting, Occupant Satisfaction, Thermal Comfort
Citations
IRE Journals:
Adefemi A. Lawal , Oladipo A. Dare-Abel , Oluwatoyin O. Ajayi
"A Review of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Parameters and Their Impact on Occupant Satisfaction in Educational Buildings" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 330-345
IEEE:
Adefemi A. Lawal , Oladipo A. Dare-Abel , Oluwatoyin O. Ajayi
"A Review of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Parameters and Their Impact on Occupant Satisfaction in Educational Buildings" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)
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