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Improving Indoor Air Quality in a Higher-Education Institution Through Biophilic Solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Idália Gomes

    (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa—ISEL, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
    CERIS, Department of Civil Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA FCT—NOVA University Lisbon, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • Ana Maria Barreiros

    (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa—ISEL, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
    UniRE—Unit for Innovation and Research in Engineering, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Iola Pinto

    (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa—ISEL, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
    Center for Mathematics and Applications (NOVA Math), NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA FCT—NOVA University Lisbon, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal)

  • Alexandra Rodrigues

    (Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa—ISEL, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
    UniRE—Unit for Innovation and Research in Engineering, Rua Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Schools are vital infrastructures where students acquire essential skills and foster social values. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is of paramount importance in schools, given that students spend a considerable amount of time indoors. This study examines the influence of a natural green structure (NGS) on IAQ in an Eco-Campus classroom. The IAQ of a classroom with an NGS was compared to that of an adjacent classroom without an NGS. The thermal conditions were monitored, including air temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH), as well as indoor pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10 ). The findings indicated a substantial improvement in indoor air quality in the classroom where the green structure was installed. This study lends support to the incorporation of biophilic solutions as sustainable approaches to fostering healthier learning environments, which in turn can lead to improvements in student performance and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Idália Gomes & Ana Maria Barreiros & Iola Pinto & Alexandra Rodrigues, 2025. "Improving Indoor Air Quality in a Higher-Education Institution Through Biophilic Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5041-:d:1668790
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