Solutions to improve indoor air quality in educational establishments

Protecting the health of students and all educational institution staff is nowadays one of the top priorities for all school administrators in Spain. A modern school should not only be a pleasant environment for its occupants, but also a safer one. Therefore, it is essential for educational centres to know which air purification systems are available to guarantee the comfort, health and well-being of students, teachers and administrative staff.

It should be considered that an average adult takes around a dozen breaths per minute. Children breathe faster; newborns can even breathe 40 times per minute. We breathe life-sustaining gases, but air is also filled, to a greater or lesser extent, with various pollutants, pathogens, and allergens. The body can filter smaller amounts, but it cannot cope with larger ones.

Therefore, the quality of the air we breathe is of great importance. The presence of harmful substances (particulate matter, toxic gases, volatile organic compounds, viruses) has a direct impact on the development of cardiovascular diseases, hinders the penetration of oxygen into the blood, weakens the body's immune system, and can also worsen our emotional state, health, and well-being.

Breathing unhealthy air can be detrimental to people not only outdoors but also in buildings where air exchange is limited. Fortunately, while it is difficult to quickly improve air purity in the atmosphere, thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to accurately monitor and improve indoor air quality in buildings. As it has a considerable impact on the health and productivity of occupants, it is of utmost importance.

This is particularly true in the field of education, as students and teachers spend a lot of time indoors. Nowadays, it is a great challenge for all those responsible for managing educational buildings to have solutions that provide effective protection while also being flexible enough to adapt seamlessly to changing needs.

What are the most suitable solutions for ensuring indoor air quality in educational settings?

The use of solutions to improve indoor air quality in educational centres effectively reduces the amount of pollutants and pathogens in the air inhaled by occupants of school and university buildings. These include modern HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, as well as monitoring and filtration technologies. In addition to ensuring air quality and controlling its temperature, humidity, and pressure, these systems also provide tools for easy and automated management.

The implementation of advanced and intelligent technology can help achieve safety, comfort and productivity goals, while avoiding the need to replace existing systems, ensuring a quick return on investment and thus saving money in the long run.

The implementation, use, maintenance, and expansion of solutions to improve indoor air quality in educational centres provided by Honeywell They are profitable. In addition to offering savings, these systems have the capacity to:

• Optimise the humidity to 40-60%. High humidity levels encourage the growth of bacteria and mould and create an environment in which dust mites can thrive. Conversely, too little humidity results in other problems, such as dry, itchy skin, easier transmission of viruses and irritation of the upper respiratory tract.
• Supply clean and fresh air. Improving indoor air quality and supplying fresh air that flows into the building is fundamental for a healthier school environment. Monitoring odours, chemicals, and carbon dioxide indoors helps ensure optimal conditions for occupants. In washrooms and other areas with a high potential for contamination, more frequent air exchange will reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission.
• Advanced air filtration. From bacteria control to particulate matter, filtration systems can remove airborne contaminants in individual rooms before they begin to circulate throughout the facility.
• Ensure adequate air pressure. Maintaining a stable negative pressure level in a room promotes efficient recirculation and improves air exchange, providing a healthier environment. It also reduces the spread of airborne pathogens and their infiltration into adjacent rooms.
• Achieving thermal comfort. The optimal temperature ensures comfort and health. Information about temperature changes allows you to react quickly, even before anyone reports that a room is too hot or cold.
• 24/7 facility monitoring. A dashboard within the facility management system allows you to monitor key parameters that determine air quality and the general environment. Thanks to alerts, you'll never miss any changes to critical indicators.

What it offers Honeywell The solutions for improving air quality in educational centres primarily consist of three elements: indoor air quality sensors, electronic (or electrostatic) air purifiers with UV technology, and advanced management and supervision platforms. Furthermore, the implementation of this equipment can be carried out without replacing existing HVAC systems, which helps to reduce management responsibilities.

Since you are interested in optimising the cost of managing school and university buildings, and thereby increasing the time and effort available to provide an ideal working and learning environment, Contact a Honeywell specialist advisor who will provide a personalised solution to your educational institution's current situation.