A Simplified Classroom Indoor Air Quality Risk Index: Application in the Mediterranean Region to Support the Enhanced Design of Educational Environments

The quality of indoor environments within educational settings significantly impacts the health, safety, and comfort of occupants. In this manuscript, a simplified Classroom Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ) Risk Index, aimed at assessing the potential ability of classrooms to maintain CO2 levels within acceptable limits, is introduced. Comprising three primary components—the likelihood of surpassing predefined CO2 thresholds, the potential number of individuals exposed, and the classroom’s capacity to withstand or mitigate threats—this index serves as a valuable compliance tool during both the design phase and operational management of educational spaces. Additionally, apart from presenting the index framework, a sensitivity case study analysis is carried out to verify the suitability of the proposed method and the sensitivity of the factors involved. Through this analysis, the robustness of the CIAQ Risk Index in various scenarios is demonstrated. By quantifying and evaluating potential risks associated with indoor air quality, the CIAQ Risk Index contributes to ongoing efforts to create healthier indoor environments. Furthermore, it facilitates the identification of budgetary mitigation strategies that should positively affect the air quality; among those, an intervention, retrofitting, and ventilation improvements can be listed. Through proactive risk identification and appropriate actions, including regulation adjustments and ventilation strategies, the reduction in health problems, the enhancement of well-being, and the improvement of overall performance and quality of life for educational communities can be achieved.