Thermal environments and indoor air quality of P-12 educational facilities in Australia: A critical review of standards, regulations and policies

Abstract

This paper presents the key findings of a review commissioned by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in Victoria, Australia, that explores thermal comfort, indoor air quality and ventilation requirements for Preparatory to Year 12 (P-12) educational facilities. The objectives of the review are to identify and compare national and international standards, regulations and policies associated with the provision of thermal environment and indoor air quality in these facilities, and to examine current knowledge on the relationship between indoor conditions and educational outcomes for the P-12 group. The review shows there is a knowledge gap concerning the benefits, costs and consequences of indoor environment quality improvements in schools, and a poor understanding of the relationship between the indoor environment and learning outcomes. This paper establishes the need for research that determines the current state of indoor environments in Australian educational facilities and the relationship with the learning outcomes of students.