Tropical climates and the interplay between IEQ and energy consumption in buildings: A review

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) can impact human health, well-being, and productivity. This paper reviews the couplings between IEQ which consists of thermal, acoustic, visual comfort, and indoor air quality, and parameters such as human comfort and productivity, with the overarching aim of ensuring a healthy environment while reducing energy consumption in buildings. At current rates of population growth, it is anticipated that the tropics would be home to over half of the world's people by 2050, hence, special attention is paid to studies conducted in tropical climates to prepare a comprehensive review with a specific climatic context. Notably,we highlight the need for more data-driven IEQ research in tropical regions, the importance of broadening the scope of and maintaining uniformity in IEQ standards, and the significance of an adaptive and sustainable built environment as we move ahead. A discussion highlighting the existing challenges and opportunities - especially the integration of AI - for future research in the area is also presented.