Assessment of Pollution and Pedestrian Comfort at Tecsup using Field Measurements and Numerical Modeling with ENVI-met

Abstract

This study evaluates air quality and thermal comfort on the Tecsup campus using numerical modeling in ENVI-met, with the aim of identifying critical areas and proposing improvement measures. Air pollutants (SO₂, NO, O₃, and PM₂.₅) and thermal conditions were analyzed using the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) indices, which allow the evaluation of pedestrian thermal perception by considering variables such as temperature, humidity, radiation, and wind.

The results showed that PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ concentrations exceeded the daily limits established by the Environmental Quality Standards (ECA), with maximum recorded values of 200 μg/m³ and 126.59 μg/m³, respectively, compared to the limits of 100 μg/m³ and 50 μg/m³. In contrast, O₃ (55 μg/m³) and CO (2,500 μg/m³) concentrations remained within the established regulatory values. Wind speeds varied between 0.14 m/s and 1.30 m/s, influencing the dispersion of pollutants, especially on Huarochirí and Cascanueces avenues, where the highest levels were recorded due to vehicular traffic. In terms of thermal comfort, PMV values ranged between 1.47 and 2.48, and PET values between 36°C and 56°C, demonstrating moderate to severe thermal stress across much of the campus, with comfort zones found only under vegetation cover.

The study concludes that the incorporation of additional vegetation and shading structures, along with reorganizing vehicular flow, would reduce both pollutant concentrations and perceived temperatures, thereby improving the campus's environmental quality.