Green Campus: Evaluating the Role of Indoor Environmental Quality Aligned with Green Building Standards in Enhancing Students’ Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutions

Abstract

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in higher educational institutions (HEIs) has attracted the attention of various groups. But, studies were found to be fragmented, focusing on a single IEQ parameter only. Therefore, a more in-depth investigation to comprehend the relationship between IEQ, students’ well-being, and quality of life (QoL) is still required. In this study, a qualitative approach was employed for data collection and analysis to obtain a broad understanding of the effects of sustainable IEQ on students’ well-being, and retrofitting strategies using green building certification from two Malaysian private universities. The findings revealed that IEQ affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and the general experience within HEIs. The efforts to promote IEQ by focusing on such parameters as ambient conditions, designed and behavioral environment, can help HEIs to design the spaces that are not only sustainable in their environmental impact, but also promote academic excellence and overall well-being. This study supports the policy-makers in HEIs to redefine the conventional IEQ characteristics into positive students’ well-being and QoL. By understanding the green nudges framework, policy-makers can adapt specific micro-interventions into all levels of planning of a campus, thereby aligning with green building practices.