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Investigating thermal comfort and air quality perceptions in Mediterranean schools

Kids in a classroom
Publication
Spain

Investigating thermal comfort and air quality perceptions in Mediterranean schools

31 March 2025
This study highlights how temperature influences students' thermal comfort and air quality perceptions in classrooms, with minimal impact from CO2 levels, emphasising the need for improved ventilation strategies in Mediterranean climates.
Editorial Team

This study, titled 'Students’ thermal and indoor air quality perception in secondary schools in a Mediterranean climate', examines the impact of indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort in classrooms, particularly in southern Spain's Mediterranean climate.

Conducted between 2022-2023, it involved 1,056 student surveys across 54 classrooms.

Results show high temperatures significantly affect thermal and air quality perceptions, while CO2 levels have minimal impact, even at concentrations above 1,400 ppm.

Students reported thermal comfort between 23-27°C during non-heating seasons, with discomfort increasing below 19°C during heating periods.

Findings emphasise the influence of outdoor temperatures on perceptions and suggest improvements in comfort models and ventilation strategies for better learning environments.

18/02/2025

Students’ thermal and indoor air quality perception in secondary schools in a Mediterranean climate.pdf

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Alicia Alonso, Rafael Suárez, Jesús Llanos-Jiménez, Carmen M. Muñoz-González
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