Ventilation conditions of different indoor environments in a university

SUMMARY Limited data exist on indoor air and environmental quality (IEQ) in schools, and how IEQ affects students’ health or performance in China. Research was conducted in different types of indoor environments in a university to explore possible relationship. Indoor temperature, relative humidity (RH), and CO2 concentration were continuous monitored while outdoor parameters combined with on-site climate conditions were recorded. Questionnaire concerning time-activity patterns, judgment about IAE in campus and comfortlessness possibly relative to bad ventilation was distributed to undergraduate students. Dormitories (n=20), classroom (n=20), reading rooms (n=5) and meeting rooms (n=5) were selected. Average air exchange rates were calculated using CO2 as the tracer gas when indoor environments were not occupied. Results indicated that the best ventilation was achieved in reading rooms, and the worst situation was found in dormitories, classrooms and meeting rooms, which was accordant with occupants’ more complaint. In dormitories, factors such as outdoor climate conditions, deficiency of building design, room usage and living habits of students, were considered to be essential on ventilation and indoor CO2 concentration.