The IAQ4EDU project has conducted a study on the energy implications of ventilation strategies in Mediterranean schools

The IAQ4EDU project has carried out a study on the energy implications of ventilation strategies in Mediterranean schools, published in the journal Energy & Buildings (JCR-Q1, Impact Factor: 6.6). The article is titled: "Energy implications of meeting indoor air quality and thermal comfort standards in Mediterranean schools using natural and mechanical ventilation strategies." This study was conducted by the doctoral student Maria Maiques under the supervision of Dr. Joan Tarragona, project researcher; Prof. Marta Gangolells, principal investigator of the IAQ4EDU project; and Prof. Miquel Casals, project researcher.

The study demonstrates that mechanical ventilation strategies achieve compliance with air quality and thermal comfort standards across all Mediterranean climatic zones. In contrast, natural ventilation only achieves optimal levels in moderate climates. The results show that mechanical ventilation can reduce heating and cooling energy demand by up to 80% compared to natural ventilation. Additionally, south-facing building orientation can deliver energy savings of 42% in buildings with natural ventilation.

Methodology outline

Details can be found in the online version of the article:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.115076

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