Indoor Air Quality in educational buildings
Creating an ideal educational environment involves a number of factors that work together to develop a supportive, engaging, and safe space for students. While deploying effective teaching and learning practices is key, another vital factor is indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ in educational settings has a significant impact on both students and staff, affecting health, learning outcomes, and general wellbeing.
In this article we will explore the importance of IAQ, it’s impact on educational settings and review the various methods available to improve the indoor environment.
What is IAQ?
IAQ refers to the quality of air within buildings, and is influenced by various factors, including:
- The presence of pollutants: Such as particulate matter, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), natural gases, mould, mildew and biological contaminants.
- Temperature: Occupants will be negatively affected by temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
- Humidity: High humidity can encourage the growth of mould, mildew and biological contaminants.
- Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation traps pollutants and stale air inside. Ventilation can be natural (e.g. opening a window) or mechanical (e.g. via ventilation systems).
Therefore, to maintain good indoor air quality, it is essential to identify, control and reduce sources of pollutants, maintain appropriate levels of temperature and humidity and ensure proper ventilation. Monitoring and addressing IAQ is crucial for creating comfortable, healthy educational spaces, that inspire achievement.
Sources of indoor pollutants
Most enclosed spaces will be contaminated by a range of pollutants. Indoor emissions can come from:
- The materials used in the building’s construction
- The building’s contents such as computers, furniture, desks, chairs and carpets
- Appliances such as gas boilers and Bunsen burners
- Indoor activities such as cleaning, cooking, and using glues, paints, cutting machinery etc.
- People and animals (class pets / therapy dogs etc.)
- Ingress of outdoor pollutants (transport emissions, dust and pollen).
A building’s location, materials, contents, use and level of habitation all affect pollution levels. For example, rooms used for food technology, design technology, art and science are at risk of higher levels of indoor pollutants due to the activities undertaken within. However, that does not mean that other spaces are free from risk. Classrooms that are poorly ventilated, inadequately heated or cooled, humid, overcrowded, or close to outdoor contaminants (major roads, factories, farms etc.), can harbour a range of indoor pollutants.
To aggravate things further, building envelopes are becoming more energy efficient as we prepare for net zero. Fully insulating buildings presents a double-edged sword. On one hand energy efficiency is greatly improved and issues which lead to poor IAQ such as draughts and condensation are reduced. However, pollutants are trapped inside and can gather in higher concentrations. The more airtight buildings become, the higher the risk of poor IAQ, if the indoor environment is not adequately manged by correctly designed and installed heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
The impact of poor IAQ in educational settings
Poor IAQ can negatively affect performance in the learning environment. This applies to both those learning and working in educational buildings.
To see the real impact of poor IAQ we need to review several factors:
1) Health issues
Poor IAQ can result in:
- Increased illness due to the spread of viruses and bacteria
- Respiratory issues
- Allergies
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Asthma exacerbation
- Cardiovascular issues
- And the aggravation of existing conditions.
Sick students and staff are more likely to miss school days, which disrupts learning and teaching.
Another key issue associated with poor IAQ is fatigue and discomfort. Indoor air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, mould, dust, and VOCs, can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and general discomfort, impacting attention and energy levels.
The severity of health effects can vary based on factors such as individual sensitivity, age, duration of exposure, the concentration of pollutants, and the presence of underlying health conditions.
2) Cognitive performance and learning
We all emit carbon dioxide. High levels of CO2 impair cognitive functions, including memory, concentration, and problem-solving.
The physical effects caused by indoor pollutants increase stress levels and disrupt students' behaviour, making classroom management more challenging.
It is little surprise that studies show a direct link between poor IAQ and reduced academic performance in tests and classroom activities.
3) Impact on teachers and staff
Poor IAQ affects the health and performance of teachers, along with other support and clerical staff members, leading to reduced productivity and higher absenteeism.
In addition, chronic exposure to poor air quality may lead to dissatisfaction and higher turnover rates among educators.
4) Operational and financial costs
Poor IAQ often stems from inadequate building maintenance, which can lead to issues such as mould growth or HVAC system inefficiencies. This increases maintenance and operational costs in the long run. HVAC breakdown can also result in downtime of some classrooms or buildings, leading to disrupted classes and inadequate teaching space.
5) Social-economic issues
Schools in low-income communities often have older buildings with inadequate ventilation systems and deferred maintenance, exacerbating IAQ problems and widening educational disparities. This increases the risk of unemployment, low-paid employment and poverty for students leaving education.
What HVAC systems improve IAQ?
Efforts to improve IAQ in educational settings include:
- Regular HVAC maintenance and upgrades, including regular filter replacement
- Using air purifiers and improving ventilation systems
- Reducing indoor sources of pollution (e.g., chemical cleaners, paints)
- Educating staff and students about IAQ and its impact
- Adopting good indoor air quality practices.
Investing in better IAQ is directly linked to healthier, more productive learning environments. Some of the HVAC systems playing a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality include:
Ventilation systems: Designed to bring in fresh air and remove stale air, odours, and contaminants from the indoor environment. Adequate ventilation can expel indoor pollutants and eliminate issues such as condensation, damp, and mould.
Air filters: Many air treatment systems are equipped with air filters that capture dust, pollen, mould spores, and other particulate matter. Air filters remove harmful particles from the air and improve overall air quality.
Humidity control: HVAC systems help control indoor humidity levels. Maintaining appropriate humidity levels inhibits the growth of mould and dust mites.
Temperature control: HVAC systems regulate indoor temperatures, creating a comfortable environment for occupants. This, in turn, contributes to wellbeing and productivity.
Air cleaning technologies (purification): Air cleaners can improve indoor air quality by collecting and/or destroying (partially or fully) a wide range of air pollutants. Air cleaners both circulate and filter the air.
Certified HVAC products for educational buildings
HVAC systems are integral to maintaining good indoor air quality. However, not all products are equal when it comes to performance or energy efficiency – things that are vital in the school environment. Third-party certification ensures that products perform as expected and enables informed product selection based on verified performance data.
Eurovent Certification runs Eurovent Certified Performance programmes for products that improve indoor air quality in educational buildings including:
Choosing certified products safeguards against product underperformance, ensuring education spaces are set up for achievement.
Search for certified products now
The IAQmatters conference by Eurovent: Breathing Achievement into Every Classroom, is taking place on Wednesday, 22 January 2025 at the Institute of Engineering Technology, 2 Savoy Place, London WC2R 0BL, UK.
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