Defining a protocol for evaluation of indoor air quality in school buildings

Abstract

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is a significant issue in the process of designing new buildings, but also during the evaluation of the existing building stock. The parameter that is the dominant indicator of achieving an adequate level of IEQ is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Since children spend most of their time in schools achieving an adequate level of the indoor environment is especially important. Inadequate IEQ can cause serious consequences on their health and well-being. Current research and practice show that there is a lack of a uniform protocol for the evaluation of IAQ in buildings. Consequently, different research methodologies provide inconsistent results and prevent real insight into the state of IAQ in buildings. This paper aims to define the indoor air quality evaluation protocol that will allow uniform and wholesome insight into the current state of the indoor environment in a school building in Serbia. The protocol will be defined through steps and parameters that should be considered in order to get a complete insight into IAQ in buildings. Implementation of the protocol should provide recommendations for the treatment of school buildings both during energy renovation as well as future design.