In-Situ Measuring Indoor Environmental Quality in Public Kindergarten in Slovenia. A Case Study

The number of children in Slovenia, who are enrolled in kindergartens, is increasing, however, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in kindergartens remains poorly investigated. Younger children are a vulnerable population, so the IEQ is extremely important for their well-being and growth. Therefore, it is essential to investigate and evaluate indoor conditions of kindergartens. This study presents the results of the IEQ assessment based on objective evaluation by monitoring crucial indoor conditions in the public kindergarten located within a residential area in the city of Maribor, Slovenia. The research includes in-situ measurements in the kindergarten classroom during the heating season. Selected comfort parameters were simultaneously measured and in-vestigated: the concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), air temperature and air humidity. Measurements were taken continuously during a period of twelve days. Besides monitoring, other analyses were conducted: the building thermal envelope, building construction, building site and environment, heating, occupant`s behaviour, etc. The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse elements of IEQ in the chosen kindergarten. Moreover, the aim is to investigate whether selected comfort parameters fulfil the requirements of regulations and standards for the kindergartens. The goal is also to analyse the occupant’s be-haviour and to study its relation to the IEQ pattern during the day and among working and non-work-ing days. The results clearly indicate periods of high air temperature, dry air and high level of CO 2 , therefore measures for improvement of IEQ elements are discussed. to the and The comparison of the parameters with the values of the the the range the comparison of the measured parameters with of