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Comparative Analysis of Indoor Environmental Quality in The Earth-Built Versus Conventional Building
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Environmental Quality
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719600
Abstract
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is a critical aspect of building performance because it directly affects occupant comfort, health, productivity, and overall satisfaction. The importance of IEQ has become more prominent in sustainable architecture, particularly in the comparison of different building typologies such as earth-built and conventional buildings. However, there is still a noticeable gap in empirical studies that holistically compare IEQ performance across these two building types, especially in tropical environments where climatic conditions significantly influence indoor comfort. This study therefore aims to conduct a comparative analysis of Indoor Environmental Quality in earth-built and conventional buildings to determine their relative performance and impact on occupants. A mixed-method approach was adopted, involving structured questionnaires, field observations, and basic environmental measurements to assess thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustic conditions. The findings reveal that earth-built buildings generally provide better thermal stability and acoustic comfort due to their natural material properties, while conventional buildings perform better in artificial lighting and controlled ventilation systems. Overall, occupants in earth-built buildings reported higher satisfaction with indoor environmental conditions compared to those in conventional buildings. The study implies that integrating earth-based materials and passive design strategies into modern construction can significantly enhance IEQ, reduce reliance on mechanical systems, and promote sustainable building practices.
Keywords
Indoor Environmental Quality, Earth-built Buildings, Conventional Buildings, Thermal Comfort, Acoustic Performance, Sustainable Construction, Occupant Satisfaction.
References
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How to cite this paper
@article{1719600,
author = {Onifade Joseph, Abdulwahab Hakeem, Ibitoye Obafemi, Solomon Adebola J., Adebanjo Eyitayo},
title = {Comparative Analysis of Indoor Environmental Quality in The Earth-Built Versus Conventional Building},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {751-757},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719600.pdf},
abstract = {Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is a critical aspect of building performance because it directly affects occupant comfort, health, productivity, and overall satisfaction. The importance of IEQ has become more prominent in sustainable architecture, particularly in the comparison of different building typologies such as earth-built and conventional buildings. However, there is still a noticeable gap in empirical studies that holistically compare IEQ performance across these two building types, especially in tropical environments where climatic conditions significantly influence indoor comfort. This study therefore aims to conduct a comparative analysis of Indoor Environmental Quality in earth-built and conventional buildings to determine their relative performance and impact on occupants. A mixed-method approach was adopted, involving structured questionnaires, field observations, and basic environmental measurements to assess thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, and acoustic conditions. The findings reveal that earth-built buildings generally provide better thermal stability and acoustic comfort due to their natural material properties, while conventional buildings perform better in artificial lighting and controlled ventilation systems. Overall, occupants in earth-built buildings reported higher satisfaction with indoor environmental conditions compared to those in conventional buildings. The study implies that integrating earth-based materials and passive design strategies into modern construction can significantly enhance IEQ, reduce reliance on mechanical systems, and promote sustainable building practices.},
keywords = {Indoor Environmental Quality, Earth-built Buildings, Conventional Buildings, Thermal Comfort, Acoustic Performance, Sustainable Construction, Occupant Satisfaction.},
month = {July},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719600}
}