Selected issues of indoor environment conditions in polish educational buildings in the light of current regulations and recommendations

Abstract

Ensuring optimal thermal comfort conditions and air quality in educational buildings is crucial for students and teachers’ health. Appropriate indoor environment not only contributes to good physical well-being but also impacts the effectiveness of the teaching process, supporting focused learning. Also, systematic control and monitoring of the levels of microbiological air pollutants, along with the identification of their emission sources, constitute the foundation of an effective strategy to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). Efficient management of these parameters contributes not only to health protection but also to increased comfort during both learning and work. The presented paper is of a review nature. Its aim was to develop a comprehensive study related to shaping optimal thermal and humidity conditions and ensuring proper IAQ, including microbiological IAQ, in educational buildings. The authors reviewed various uninform legal regulations and recommendations (both Polish and international) regarding thermal comfort parameters and IAQ. Different measurement and assessment methods of these conditions were described, including examples of measurement equipment. Finally, ways in which indoor environment can be shaped using energy efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system solutions in such facilities were presented. The paper can provide assistance in designing new educational buildings or retrofitting existing ones, as well as improving indoor environment management systems. It can inspire investments in modern HVAC systems, as well as promote the use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, it might be a source of knowledge to raise awareness regarding the impact of indoor environment conditions on health and learning efficiency.