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Indoor Environment, Student Satisfaction and Performance in Higher Education

Author

Listed:
  • Flagner, Stefan

    (Maastricht University)

  • Eichholtz, Piet

    (Maastricht University)

  • Kok, Nils

    (Maastricht University)

  • Kramer, Rick

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Künn, Steffen

    (Maastricht University)

  • van Marken Lichtenbelt, Wouter

    (Maastricht University)

  • Plasqui, Guy

    (Maastricht University)

  • Sun, Xudong

    (Maastricht University)

Abstract

This study examines how improvements in indoor environmental quality affect student satisfaction and academic performance in higher education. We conducted a randomized field experiment involving 1,258 first-year undergraduate students at Maastricht University, who were randomly assigned to tutorial groups located either in a recently renovated building with improved indoor environmental quality or in a conventional control building. We find that students in the treatment building report significantly higher satisfaction with indoor environmental quality and the overall learning environment. However, these improvements do not translate into measurable effects on academic performance, study effort, or tutor evaluations.

Suggested Citation

  • Flagner, Stefan & Eichholtz, Piet & Kok, Nils & Kramer, Rick & Künn, Steffen & van Marken Lichtenbelt, Wouter & Plasqui, Guy & Sun, Xudong, 2026. "Indoor Environment, Student Satisfaction and Performance in Higher Education," IZA Discussion Papers 18697, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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