Measuring the impact of poor IEQ in education

Eurovent and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have jointly released a review examining the impact of indoor air quality and thermal conditions in educational buildings on health, well-being, performance, and absenteeism. 

The literature review is published in Environments, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal on environmental sciences, and explores the far-reaching effects of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in schools, nurseries and universities on occupant health, well-being, academic performance, and absenteeism.

It uses interdisciplinary research to map current evidence and highlight gaps in the understanding of how IAQ and thermal conditions impact psychological and physiological outcomes in educational settings. Key insights include correlations between poor IEQ and increased absenteeism, diminished cognitive performance, and adverse health symptoms, particularly among children and young adults.

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Principal Public Health Specialist, Sani Dimitroulopoulou, said: “While evidence grows on how indoor environment affects school children’s health, we must better understand how environmental interventions enhance learning. Together with Eurovent, we have mapped out how future gains in educational outcomes, driven by improved indoor environmental quality, can be quantified. This is the key to supporting every child’s academic growth and well-being.''

Eurovent Deputy Secretary General, Stijn Reneeboog, added: “In partnership with UKHSA and drawing on an extensive body of scientific literature, our project shows that poor classroom environments affect children’s health and learning. With these results now published, we hope to support investment in healthier schools that deliver long-term educational and societal benefits.”

The review is designed to guide policymakers, school administrators, health authorities, building engineers, and educators in creating environments that support optimal learning and development. Available as open access in Environments, the publication is said to mark an important milestone in Eurovent and UKHSA's joint efforts to improve indoor health standards across educational institutions. 

The literature review can be downloaded free of charge from the Environments website.