Are Buildings Enough? The Role of Caregiver Behaviour in Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupant Health

Deme Bélafi, Zsófia and Szagri, Dóra (2026) Are Buildings Enough? The Role of Caregiver Behaviour in Indoor Environmental Quality and Occupant Health. In: Building|s for People symposium, 2025.10.05., Buenos Aires, Argentína. (In Press)

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Abstract

Climate change, increasing heat extremes, and the need for healthy indoor environments pose growing challenges for buildings housing vulnerable populations. This comparative investigation combines two complementary components with different data-collection methods: an institution-level survey of elderly care homes addressing overheating and adaptation practices, and a six-month kindergarten case study focusing on ventilation behaviour, indoor CO₂ and illness-related absenteeism. The care-home survey revealed substantial variation in building characteristics and adaptation measures, while the kindergarten study showed pronounced differences in indoor air quality associated with adults’ window-opening behaviour. Although the environmental stressors differ, both components examine settings in which vulnerable occupants depend on caregivers to regulate their environmental exposure. The findings highlight the importance of appropriate building operation and caregiver practices for maintaining healthy and resilient indoor environments.

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