Assessment on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with the application of potted plants in the classroom: Case of university Malaya

Abstract

Nowadays, the importance of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) has become more serious as it is highly related to the satisfaction of the occupants. However, most building occupants are not normally aware of the importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Good IEQ specifically for educational oriented environment should be focused on as it affects students’ learning performance. Therefore, two methods have been specifically selected for this research. One is classroom environment intervention and the other is by classroom measurement set up. In both conditions, the sampling devices were placed for 2 weeks in certain selected locations to see any clianges on environment in the classroom. Measurement of thermal comfort and indoor air quality were recorded and at the same time questionnaires were distributed among the students in order to identify their satisfaction. Results for the measurement in normal condition show that the level of VOC was high (11.7ppm). However, by placing the selected potted plants during the intervention, the action has decreased the level of relative humidity, level of CO2 and TVOC.