Advances in Indoor Environmental Engineering: Implications for Environmental Quality and Human Well-Being

Authors

  • Yuanyuan Wang

    Fine Arts and Design College, Jining Normal University, Ulanqab 012000, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i6.13290
Received: 13 March 2026 | Revised: 3 May 2026 | Accepted: 16 May 2026 | Published Online: 30 June 2026

Abstract

Indoor spaces are where most human exposure occurs, shaping health, comfort, and performance. Rapid advances in indoor environmental engineering are changing how buildings deliver indoor environmental quality (IEQ), driven by better ventilation and air distribution, high-efficiency filtration and air cleaning, source control through low-emitting materials and reduced combustion, and sensor-based monitoring and controls. This review summarizes these developments and evaluates their impacts on environmental quality and well-being within an integrated IEQ framework that also includes thermal, visual, and acoustic conditions. Evidence suggests layered strategies combining source reduction, strong pollutant removal, and measurement-informed operation can meaningfully cut particulate exposure, improve perceived air quality, and support risk management in shared-air settings, while also affecting comfort, noise, and lighting that determine real-world acceptance and sustained performance. Key challenges remain, including gaps between design intent and actual operation, uncertainty in low-cost sensors and proxy metrics, and difficulties balancing IEQ with energy, carbon, and resilience goals during extreme events such as heat waves and wildfire smoke. The review highlights priorities for standards and research, including performance-based verification, harmonized measurement protocols, longer field studies to better characterize exposure, and equity-focused implementation. Together, these advances position indoor environmental engineering to deliver healthier, more resilient, and lower-carbon indoor environments.

Keywords:

Indoor Environmental Quality; Ventilation; Filtration; Smart Buildings; Human Well-Being

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How to Cite

Wang, Y. (2026). Advances in Indoor Environmental Engineering: Implications for Environmental Quality and Human Well-Being. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(6), 256–282. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i6.13290

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Review