Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a persistent issue in learning environments, but there are effective solutions, says Erik Boyter.
There’s little doubt that having access to clean air within scholastic institutions creates a comfortable environment that benefits both staff and pupils alike. However, delivering it seems to be a different story.
A recent study from the University of Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) found 7,000 UK schools currently breach the World Health Organization’s air quality limits, leaving children vulnerable to respiratory diseases, affected lung and brain health, behavioural problems, and increased risk of cancer.
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) has been a persistent issue in learning environments, where it’s been shown to have a debilitating effect on mental and physical health, as well as an adverse impact on academic performance and general productivity levels.
The detrimental health impacts of poor air quality are well known; one case in point is the adverse health issue referred to as “Sick Building Syndrome” (SBS). SBS is a phrase used to describe a variety of ailments caused by prolonged confinement to an indoor space with insufficient ventilation. These symptoms range from rashes and dry, itchy skin to chronic headaches and migraines.
Fundamentally, poor IAQ is significantly hindering learning and the effective delivery of it, and something must be done to curb this damaging, but a preventable, phenomenon. The good news is that it is also one of the most straightforward to redress.
Building Regs updates
Recent regulatory updates, particularly Part L and Part F, are helping to guide the way, making it a legal obligation to ensure school interiors are well-ventilated, prioritising occupant safety as well as safeguarding health and well-being overall.
The implementation of those standards creates somewhat of a delicate balancing act not just for schools, but for colleges and universities alike.
The need to achieve optimal IAQ is placed firmly on one hand, however, finding a way to deliver that in a sustainable and energy-efficient manner is also essential.
Natural ventilation systems stand tall on both counts. Not only are they a progressive approach to eradicating poor air quality, but these systems can also deliver a myriad of sustainable benefits, as they use cutting-edge, low-energy smart technology to holistically ventilate interiors in a low-emission way.
Importantly, these simple-to-install and run devices use the natural airflow from outdoors instead of using recycled air. An effective solution to breathe fresh life within educational settings – offering ideal ventilated spaces that significantly reduce CO2, rather than enhancing it.
Natural ventilation systems
The latest technology enables natural ventilation systems to automatically manage airflow, guaranteeing a comfortable atmosphere based on external and internal variables. Essentially, natural ventilation now uses AI through smart sensors connected to a building management system (BMS), which will not only guarantee optimal IAQ but also limit energy consumption.
Furthermore, if network-based controllers are adopted, over-performance will be enhanced. For instance, WindowMaster‘s MotorLink technology can be applied in tandem with the building management system, saving both money and design time as a single controller can replace individual components.
When properly programmed, this technology will enable buildings to be self-sufficient, resulting in a tranquil learning space, delivering the best possible IAQ for students and staff, with the added benefit of not requiring routine maintenance.
Following two turbulent years which has impacted a whole generation’s learning and development, there is a great urgency to ensure the environment they return to moving forward is secure and also comfortable. Furthermore, the environments to which students are returning must be sustainable.
Increasing the specification of smart natural ventilation while phasing out energy-intensive mechanical systems is a straightforward, but effective, approach to achieve just that. By helping to improve the quality of education and bolster cash reserves, particularly at a time when academic resources are already constrained due to rising energy bills.
