Critical need to fund schools ventilation says manufacturer Ciat
HVAC manufacturer Ciat has called for the government to improve school ventilation, in the light of a major schools survey which revealed a significant decline in classroom conditions due to underfunding.
Ciat, part of the Carrier group, said that reduced investment in HVAC is a threat to students’ learning outcomes and overall wellbeing.
The survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has revealed a significant decline in classroom conditions as a direct result of government underinvestment.
The survey of 8,585 leaders in both primary and secondary state-funded schools found that 57% reporting theirs classroom were too hot during summer due to poor ventilation.
At the same time, over a quarter, 28% complained of cold conditions in winter due to inadequate heating systems. Other significant classroom issues were included broken windows and doors (19% of responses) or leaking ceilings (19%).
The National Audit Office reported in 2023 that continued underinvestment had resulted in a declining school estate, forcing around 700,000 students to learn in buildings that required substantial refurbishment.
Matt Maleki, Business Development Manager and IAQ Champion at CIAT UK&I said:
Green and well-ventilated buildings can generate massive improvements in people’s cognitive function and mental health. Students are not only protected from more physical harms, but they are more productive and less likely to be off sick. Bright, well-ventilated spaces with lots of daylight are vital.
Matt spearheads a campaign to improve IAQ called #Ciat4life.
A previous Harvard study, funded by Carrier, into the impact of ventilation and filtration on occupants’ cognitive function found that elevated CO2 levels and higher concentrations of harmful particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can affect mental functioning.
Matt added:
Lab tests revealed that cognitive function scores were 61% higher in green buildings (with low VOCs) than conventional buildings. In enhanced green buildings with low VOCs and enhanced ventilation, they were a massive 101% higher.
