Assessment and Enhancement of Indoor Environmental Quality in a School Building

Achieving both indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy efficiency in school buildings remains a challenge, particularly in older structures where renovation strategies often lack site-specific validation. This study evaluates the impact of energy retrofits on a 1970s primary school in France by integrating in situ measurements with a validated numerical model for forecasting energy demand and IEQ. Temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels were recorded before and after renovations, which included insulation upgrades and an air handling unit replacement. Results indicate significant improvements in winter thermal comfort (PPD < 20%) with a reduced heating water temperature (65 °C to 55 °C) and stable indoor air quality (CO₂ < 800 ppm), without the need for window ventilation. Night-flushing ventilation proved effective in mitigating overheating by shifting peak temperatures outside school hours, contributing to enhanced thermal regulation. Long-term energy consumption analysis (2019–2022) revealed substantial reductions in gas and electricity use, 15% and 29% of energy saving for electricity and gas, supporting the effectiveness of the applied renovation strategies. However, summer overheating (up to 30 °C) persisted, particularly in south-facing upper floors with extensive glazing, underscoring the need for additional optimization in solar gain management and heating control. By providing empirical validation of renovation outcomes, this study bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and real-world effectiveness, offering a data-driven framework for enhancing IEQ and energy performance in aging school infrastructure.