Differences in Energy Efficiency, Thermal Comfort and Air Quality of Classrooms Caused by Different Ventilation Strategies: A Case Study in Bolzano, Italy

Abstract

In Italy, large part of the public building stock lacks proper design and operation to ensure adequate ventilation of the indoor environment with negative consequences on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy performance. Discomfort conditions and energy management inefficiencies are particularly evi-dent in educational buildings, with several impacts on students learning perfor-mance. In this context and given the spike in energy prices since winter 2022, the need to enhance energy performance and IEQ, especially in school buildings, is becoming of primary importance for local public administrations. Given these premises, this study is focused on the detailed analysis of sev-eral ventilation strategies in public school buildings, exploring both natural and mechanical solutions and accounting for differences in ventilation behaviours, such as windows opening type, ventilation duration and timing. The whole work is done having as final goal the identification of effective ventilation solutions and strategies, from both energy performance and IEQ perspective, to support local public authorities in defining effective refurbishment plans for the local building stock.