Indoor environmental quality in schools: what are the main indicators?

The present paper lists the parameters used to characterize indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in schools in Europe, North America, and Australia reported in the papers published since 2010. Measurement protocols and parameter ranges are summarized. The main objective was to collect background information for developing a rating scheme for IEQ in schools based on the TAIL scheme developed for offices and hotels. Twenty-five measured parameters for the thermal, acoustic, and luminous environments, as well as the indoor air quality (IAQ), are listed. Because of the different objectives, various IEQ parameters were measured in the published studies, with a variety of measurement protocols. The results indicate the need for harmonizing the measurement protocols of IEQ in schools, to help make decisions regarding IEQ management in school buildings and to allow comparability, as well as to advance technological and architectural solutions to ensure that the school environment is conducive to children's thriving and learning.