Integrating IAQ Risk Potential Assessment into Ventilation Strategy Selection and Control in Educational Buildings

The increasing airtightness of buildings driven by decarbonisation has intensified the challenge of maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ) while limiting energy use, yet ventilation system choices are often made without assessing location-specific IAQ risk potential. This study proposes a framework that integrates IAQ risk potential assessment, based on combined outdoor and indoor monitoring, into both early-stage ventilation strategy selection and the subsequent operation of natural ventilation systems. The approach extends prior work on IAQ risk potential identification, towards decision support for educational buildings in both new construction and retrofit scenarios. Long-term classroom living-lab measurements of CO₂, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, VOCs, temperature, and relative humidity were analysed alongside outdoor data to assess pollutant patterns and seasonal variability. Results show limited CO₂ exceedances, while particulate matter frequently exceeds WHO guideline values, particularly during the heating season. VOC levels mainly reflect occupancy and indoor sources. The framework introduces a risk-informed layer that supports ventilation strategy selection and adaptive operation, including limiting window opening under high outdoor pollution. CO₂ and VOCs indicate occupancy-driven demand, while particulate matter reflects outdoor-related IAQ risk. The findings show that integrating IAQ risk potential into design and operation supports more robust, health-oriented, and context-sensitive ventilation strategies in educational buildings.