Performance Assessment of a Conventional Building in Comparison to LEED Green Buildings Standards: A Comprehensive Study on Air Quality Monitoring

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) plays a pivotal role in the well-being and productivity of occupants. It encompasses various factors, such as air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics. This research investigates ambient and indoor air quality (IAQ) at the Ras Al Khaimah Women's Campus (RKWC), focusing on the administration building entrance (L0) for the former and selected classrooms for the latter variable. Employing a systematic approach, the study utilizes calibrated instruments, including the Met One-AEROCET 531S for particulate monitoring, the Trio Bas Air Sampler for microbiological sampling, and the AN300 Thermo Anemometer for ventilation flow rate measurement. This multi-pronged methodology ensures a comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions. The findings reveal that PM-10 concentration at L0 exceeds recommendations by 30%, indicating comparatively higher air quality near the administration building. Furthermore, the analysis of ambient air in front of the Admin building highlights NO2concentrations surpassing ASHRAE 62.1 and local guidelines by 81.7% and 87.8%, respectively. Similarly, concentrations of SO2and CO exceed UAE guidelines and international standards by 86.27% and 87.60%, underscoring no potential air quality concerns. The study's significance lies in its holistic approach to IAQ assessment, providing valuable insights into the environmental conditions experienced by RKWC occupants.