What the study found
The study found that indoor environmental quality (IEQ), meaning conditions inside buildings such as air, comfort, and the surrounding environment, affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and their overall experience in higher educational institutions. The authors also report that efforts to improve IEQ can support both sustainability and student well-being.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that HEI policy-makers should rethink conventional IEQ characteristics in terms of students’ well-being and quality of life. They suggest that understanding the green nudges framework could help policy-makers add small interventions at different stages of campus planning while aligning with green building practices.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a qualitative approach for data collection and analysis. They 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 indicate that focusing on ambient conditions, as well as designed and behavioral environments, can help HEIs create spaces that support both environmental sustainability and student well-being. The abstract does not report specific IEQ measures that worked better than others, or any interventions that did not work.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes a qualitative study in two Malaysian private universities, so the findings are limited to that setting. It also does not provide detailed limitations beyond noting that previous studies were fragmented and often focused on only one IEQ parameter.
Key points
- Indoor environmental quality was linked to students’ well-being, academic performance, and overall experience.
- The study examined sustainable IEQ and retrofitting strategies using green building certification.
- The researchers used a qualitative approach in two Malaysian private universities.
- The authors suggest that campus planning can include small interventions aligned with green building practices.
- The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the study setting.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Indoor environmental quality is linked to student well-being in HEIs
- Authors:
- Farhana Mohd Zaini, Nik Fatma Arisya Nik Yahya
- Institutions:
- INTI International University, INTI International University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-25
- OpenAlex record:
- View
Get the weekly research newsletter
Stay current with peer-reviewed research without reading academic papers — one filtered digest, every Friday.