A study to measure energy performance and CO₂ concentrations was conducted in two Hawai‘i classrooms to determine the impact of user decision-making on adequacy of fresh air. Using CO₂ as a marker for indoor air quality and fresh air exchange, significantly different CO₂ concentrations were observed in the two identical classrooms. In the Hawai‘i mixed-mode classrooms, ventilation and CO₂ levels were dependent upon: user awareness of how fresh air was introduced; user training; availability of operable windows; and outside fresh air supply from the air-conditioning unit.

This research has been a collaboration between The University of Hawai’i’s: Hawai’i Natural Energy Institute’s energy efficiency program, School of Architecture’s Environmental Research and Design Lab and  Sea Grant College Program.

The paper is accessible for free online: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100031