Environmental Conditions and Their Impact on Student Concentration and Learning in University Environments: A Case Study of Education for Sustainability

Ana Bustamante-Mora, Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo (), Milagros Zegarra, Francisco Escobar and Gabriel Epuyao
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Ana Bustamante-Mora: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Mauricio Diéguez-Rebolledo: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Milagros Zegarra: School of Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04000, Peru
Francisco Escobar: Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación e Informática, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Gabriel Epuyao: Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-33

Abstract: This study explores how the environmental conditions of sustainable classrooms influence the concentration and academic performance of students in university environments, integrating the use of sustainable design strategies. Within the framework of education for sustainability, the importance of sustainable urban spaces, buildings, interiors, and green infrastructure products in communicating and promoting scientific and environmental knowledge is recognized. Using a systematic mapping methodology, the research examines how real-time monitoring of environmental variables such as air quality, humidity, temperature, CO 2 , particulate matter, and lighting, through the Internet of Things (IoT), can enhance learning. The study focuses on examining the impact of environmental factors on students’ academic performance, as well as exploring how sustainable educational spaces can promote greater awareness and favorable attitudes towards the environment. Based on an analysis of 454 articles and success stories on green educational infrastructure projects, the results reveal a significant correlation between optimal environmental conditions such as good ventilation and temperature control and increased student concentration and performance. This study also highlights the role of educational interventions, both formal and informal, that integrate sustainably built environments to reinforce occupants’ environmental engagement. The conclusion is clear: improving classroom environmental conditions, especially in terms of ventilation and temperature control, not only optimizes learning, but also acts as a powerful environmental education tool, fostering education for sustainable development and strengthening ecological attitudes among students.

Keywords: contamination; IoT; sensors; air quality; classroom; higher education; humidity; temperature; CO 2; particulate matter; luminosity; learning; concentration; monitoring (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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