Parameter Optimization for Climate-Resilient IEQ Assessment: Validating Essential Metrics in the PICSOU Framework Across Divergent Climate Zones

To enhance the climate adaptability and diagnostic precision of university sustainability frameworks, this study presents a critical advancement to the PICSOU (Performance Indicators for Core Sustainability Objectives of Universities) framework’s Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) module. The research employs a comparative approach across two distinct climate zones: the campus of Chengdu Jincheng College in a humid subtropical climate (CDJCC; Köppen Cwa) with natural ventilation, and the campus of Tallinn University of Technology in a temperate climate (TalTech; Köppen Dfb) with mechanical ventilation. A key innovation at CDJCC was the deployment of a novel, integrated sensor that combines a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar module for real-time occupancy detection with standard IEQ sensor suite (CO2, PM2.5, temperature, humidity), enabling unprecedented analysis of occupant-IEQ dynamics. At TalTech, comprehensive IEQ monitoring was conducted using standard sensors. Results demonstrated that mechanical ventilation (TalTech) effectively decouples indoor conditions from external fluctuations. In contrast, natural ventilation (CDJCC) exhibits strong seasonal coupling, reflected by a Seasonal Ventilation Efficacy Coefficient (λseason), indicating that seasonal differences in effective ventilation are present but vary by indoor space type under occupied conditions. Consistent with this stronger indoor–outdoor linkage, PM2.5 infiltration was also pronounced in naturally ventilated spaces, as evidenced by a high infiltration factor (I/O ratio) that remained consistently elevated. This work conclusively validates a conditional, climate-resilient workflow for PICSOU’s IEQ category, integrating these empirical coefficients to transform its IEQ assessment into a dynamic and actionable tool for optimizing campus sustainability strategies globally.