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Despite rising temperatures across the U.S., educational facilities often operate with outdated HVAC systems. Legence CEO Jeffrey Sprau shares insights on the benefits of making schools sustainable in his new article with Fast Company. Dive into the full article here. #WeAreLegence

Despite rising temperatures across the U.S., educational facilities often operate with outdated HVAC systems. Legence CEO Jeffrey Sprau shares insights on the benefits of making schools sustainable in his new article with Fast Company. Dive into the full article here. #WeAreLegence

Despite rising temperatures across the U.S., educational facilities often operate with outdated HVAC systems. Legence CEO Jeffrey Sprau shares insights on the benefits of making schools sustainable in his new article with Fast Company. Dive into the full article here. #WeAreLegence

Hot classrooms hinder learning by reducing focus, energy, and memory retention. The National Bureau of Economic Research reports that without adequate air solutions, each 1°F rise in school temperature leads to a 1% decline in learning. Temperature control isn’t just about comfort—it’s crucial for student success. Read more in our blog here: https://buff.ly/4fFpM7N #SchoolAirSolutions #AIRSYS

A new study by the #UniversityofSurrey has found that using #airpurifiers during the day and opening windows after hours is the most effective way to improve classroom #airquality. On the back of the news that Sadiq Khan was to trial the use of #airfilters in 200 #London Schools, the team experimented with various combinations of air cleaning methods to find which has the greater efficacy. The scientists monitored #pollution in two classrooms at an infant school in #Guildford. It is 10m from the A3 road and is passed by 31,000 cars each day. They studied two classrooms: one facing the road and occupied by 4 to 5-year-olds, and one on the other side of the building, occupied by 6 to 7-year-olds. Four ventilation scenarios along with the use of #HEPA air purifier were studied; Partial ventilation (single window open) Continuous ventilation (all windows open) No ventilation (all windows closed) and air purifier in operation Sheduled ventilation (windows opened during non-occupancy period) and using air purifier during occupancy period.  The monitored parameters included PM10, PM2.5, PM1, CO2, temperature, and relative humidity. In both classrooms, the best improvements in air quality happened when air purifiers were alternated with scheduled window openings. PM10 pollution fell by 18% in the classroom nearest the road and 36% in the other classroom. #CO2 fell 28% in the classroom nearest the road and 11% in the other classroom. Smaller improvements were detected when windows were opened without air purifiers. Nidhi Rawat, a researcher at Surrey’s Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), said: ‘Alternating purifiers with scheduled window openings is an effective way to clean up classroom air. ‘The most effective combination depends on the characteristics and location of the classroom, and when the teacher opens windows. ‘We also understand that keeping the windows open is not always comfortable or practical – so a sensible, tailored approach is recommended.’ The air purifier was not effective in removing particles when used with windows kept closed in classroom A because the particle removal rate by air purifier was lower than the resuspension rate of PM due to continuous movement of the younger students in the classroom. Because of this, the #Sussex team include among their recommendations that classrooms occupied by younger children who are more active should be cleaned more often, with carpets or rugs being wet-washed. They also suggest that windows should be kept open for as long as possible. Professor Prashant Kumar, director of GCARE, said: ‘Our timely study can help policymakers choose when and how to optimise the benefits of air purifiers and window openings in the classroom. ‘Globally, millions of children are forced to breathe poor quality air while they learn. We hope our study can be used to design ways to make classrooms safer and pupils healthier.’

The Benefits of Installing Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Monitors in School Classrooms Air quality, particularly CO2 concentration, is critical to student health and academic performance. CO2 monitors can help manage indoor air quality, boost cognitive function, and create healthier learning environments. 1. CO2's Impact on Health and Cognitive Function CO2 is a byproduct of respiration. While outdoor CO2 levels hover around 400-420 ppm, indoor levels can rise quickly in enclosed spaces. Classrooms with levels above 1,500 ppm see diminished cognitive functions in children , like attention and memory. Long-term exposure can cause headaches, drowsiness, and poor student performance. 2. Benefits of CO2 Monitors Real-Time Monitoring: Monitors allow teachers to check CO2 levels instantly and take action, like opening windows or adjusting HVAC systems. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Students in classrooms with CO2 levels under 1,000 ppm perform better, solving problems faster and achieving higher test scores. Improved Attention: Higher CO2 levels reduce attention span. Keeping CO2 low supports optimal learning. Reduced Absenteeism: Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, increasing absenteeism. Monitoring CO2 can help alleviate these issues. 3. Ventilation and CO2 Levels Ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy CO2 levels. Many school buildings lack proper ventilation. CO2 monitors can highlight areas needing improvement. Schools can also integrate monitors with HVAC systems for automated ventilation adjustments to ensure optimal airflow. 4. Impact on Children and Adults Children are particularly vulnerable to high CO2 due to their developing brains and faster breathing rates. High CO2 levels can cause behavioral issues, reduced attention spans, and cognitive delays. Adults, like teachers and staff, also experience reduced alertness in poor air quality. 5. Research Findings A Harvard study found cognitive performance dropped 15% when CO2 levels reached 1,400 ppm. Schools with CO2 levels below 1,000 ppm showed 20% higher test scores. The World Health Organization advises maintaining CO2 levels below 1,000 ppm for healthy indoor environments. 6. Implementing CO2 Monitoring Systems Effective CO2 monitors should provide real-time data, visual alerts, and integration with HVAC systems. These systems are cost-effective and need minimal maintenance. 7. Conclusion Installing CO2 monitors in classrooms offers clear benefits: improved air quality, better student performance, enhanced attention, and healthier environments. Reducing CO2 levels improves cognitive functions like memory and focus. Investing in CO2 monitoring is an essential step toward creating a more effective and healthy learning space.

Escalating risks observed within school buildings prompt a critical inquiry: could these challenges foreshadow future trends for facilities in various sectors? As extreme temperatures and other environmental factors increasingly jeopardize indoor air quality, individuals engaged in learning and working indoors demand proactive interventions from those responsible for managing building systems. Amidst mounting concerns regarding the health and well-being of occupants, the imperative to address these risks extends beyond educational institutions to encompass a broader spectrum of facilities. The ramifications of compromised indoor air quality reverberate across industries, affecting not only occupant health but also operational efficiency and productivity. In light of these pressing considerations, facility managers are tasked with implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks and safeguard indoor environments. This necessitates a proactive approach that includes regular maintenance of HVAC systems, implementation of effective ventilation measures, and adherence to stringent indoor air quality standards. By prioritizing proactive measures and leveraging advanced technologies, facility managers can enhance resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Through strategic investments in building systems and ongoing monitoring of indoor air quality parameters, organizations can foster healthier, more productive environments for occupants. Want to learn more? Check out this link: https://lnkd.in/gNKDwY5B #BuildingManagement #IndoorAirQuality #FacilityResilience #Dynamiq #buildingperformance #IAQ

The Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE) team have published their latest study of London schools which sheds light on crucial factors impacting classroom air quality. They found for example that: 🔍 During occupancy, PM levels surged by 150%, highlighting the need for improved ventilation systems. 🌬️ Surprisingly, classrooms with wooden floors exhibited double the PM10 levels compared to those with carpets, underlining the significance of flooring materials. 💧 Alarmingly, 68% of classrooms surpassed recommended humidity levels, indicating a pressing need for better moisture control measures. 📈 Notably, our research discovered a significant correlation between low PM and low CO2 levels, emphasizing the interconnectedness of air pollutants. 👩🏫 Let's prioritize the health of our students by addressing these findings and creating healthier learning environments together! #ClassroomHealth #AirQualityAwareness #EducationForAll Professor Prashant Kumar, Sarkawt Hama, Rana Alaa Abbass, Abhijith Kooloth Valappil, Arvind Tiwari, Duncan Grassie, Christina Mitsakou https://lnkd.in/dU4kf_Ue

The quality of air in classrooms is essential for the health and #WellBeing of students and staff, significantly impacting #StudentHealth and learning results. Unfortunately, numerous schools struggle with maintaining sufficient indoor air quality (#IAQ) due to budget limitations or a lack of awareness about the problem. Our focus on improving IAQ showcases our commitment to creating a #sustainable and #innovative educational setting. Check out this article from Therma, a Legence company, to discover strategies for enhancing classroom IAQ. #IndoorAirQuality #EnergyEfficiency #WeAreLegence