Interrelations between Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupants: A Critical Review

Authors

  • Emeli Lalesca Aparecida da Guarda Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul
  • Alberto Hernandez Neto University of São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46421/encacelacac.v18i1.6547

Keywords:

Indoor Environmental Quality, Comfort, Health

Abstract

This article critically reviews the interrelations between Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and occupant well-being, focusing on aspects such as thermal, acoustic, visual comfort, and air quality. Through the analysis of 28 peer-reviewed articles from the Scopus database, the research identifies how these variables influence users' health and satisfaction. The results indicate that inadequate indoor environments can lead to issues such as Sick Building Syndrome and reduce productivity. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated approaches that consider both objective measurements and subjective perceptions of occupants, especially in social housing where conditions are often substandard. This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between IEQ and well-being, suggesting directions for future investigations and design practices that promote healthier environments.

Author Biographies

Emeli Lalesca Aparecida da Guarda, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

PhD in Architecture and Urbanism from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Master's degree in Building and Environmental Engineering from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), and Architect and Urban Planner from the University of Cuiabá. She is an Assistant Professor in the Architecture and Urbanism program at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) and an associate researcher at the Laboratory of Technology and Environmental Comfort (LATECA/UFMT). She has experience as a researcher at the Laboratory of Energy Efficiency in Buildings (LabEEE/UFSC), where she participated in the project for implementing a new method for evaluating energy efficiency in the Brazilian Labeling Program for Buildings, in partnership with Eletrobrás and PBEEdifica. Her areas of expertise include climate change, energy efficiency, thermal performance of buildings, and bioclimatic architecture, focusing on bioclimatic design strategies. She also has experience in computational simulations aimed at thermal energy performance.

Alberto Hernandez Neto, University of São Paulo

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (1988), Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (1993), PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (1998), and postdoctoral qualification in Mechanical Engineering from the University of São Paulo (2009). Currently, he is an associate professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He works in the area of air conditioning and refrigeration with an emphasis on energy efficiency, modeling, and simulation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. He is a member of ABCM (Brazilian Association of Mechanical Sciences) and ANPRAC (National Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation Professionals).

References

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Published

2025-08-16

How to Cite

GUARDA, Emeli Lalesca Aparecida da; HERNANDEZ NETO, Alberto. Interrelations between Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupants: A Critical Review. In: ENCONTRO NACIONAL DE CONFORTO NO AMBIENTE CONSTRUÍDO, 18., 2025. Anais [...]. [S. l.], 2025. DOI: 10.46421/encacelacac.v18i1.6547. Disponível em: https://eventos.antac.org.br/index.php/encac/article/view/6547. Acesso em: 3 may. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 18 (2025): ENCAC/ELACAC

Section

7. Conforto Ergonômico e Qualidade Ambiental

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