Indoor environmental quality affects student well-being in Malaysian universities

What the study found: Indoor environmental quality, or IEQ, was described as affecting students’ well-being, academic performance, and their overall experience in higher educational institutions. The study also links sustainable IEQ with quality of life and green building practices.

Why the authors say this matters: The authors say the findings support policy-makers in higher educational institutions to redefine conventional IEQ characteristics in terms of students’ well-being and quality of life. They also suggest that understanding the green nudges framework can help policy-makers adapt micro-interventions at different levels of campus planning.

What the researchers tested: The study used a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. It examined the effects of sustainable IEQ and retrofitting strategies using green building certification in two Malaysian private universities.

What worked and what didn't: The findings reported that IEQ affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and general experience within higher educational institutions. The abstract says efforts focused on ambient conditions, designed environment, and behavioral environment can help HEIs design spaces that are both environmentally sustainable and supportive of academic excellence and overall well-being.

What to keep in mind: The abstract does not describe detailed limitations. It also presents the study as a qualitative investigation of two Malaysian private universities, so the scope described in the summary is limited to that setting.

Key points

• The study reports that indoor environmental quality affects students’ well-being.
• It also says IEQ affects academic performance and the overall experience in higher educational institutions.
• The researchers used a qualitative approach and studied two Malaysian private universities.
• The abstract connects sustainable IEQ with quality of life and green building practices.
• The authors say policy-makers can use green nudges and micro-interventions in campus planning.