Schoolventilation

Ventilation for schools and classrooms, and in particular the correct way to operate it, is not that simple. Selecting the right solution or air handling unit is important. According to various studies conducted by the government and various sector organizations, it has become painfully clear that the ventilation and the overall indoor climate in Dutch schools is on average clearly inadequate, with over 70% of primary and secondary schools having excessively high CO₂ levels in the classroom when fully occupied.

A CO₂ level that is too high in combination with an unhealthy indoor climate, such as being too humid and too warm, has consequences for the learning performance, due to poor concentration. Teachers and students are exposed to a learning and working environment that, on balance, is not healthy. A good air quality ensures better performance and less absenteeism, we see in reports by TNO, the GGD and the industry organizations.

What is involved?

Ventilation for schools and classrooms, and in particular the correct operation of it, is not that simple. Selecting the right solution or air handling unit is important, but just as important is the total system that is connected to it and also the adjustment is of great importance to achieve a good ventilation system. It is often forgotten that in a classroom there are around 30 children who all bring their own heat load inside. For example, if you look at the fall season, large amounts of moisture can also come in with them. Just think of a wet coat that goes on the heater or the children themselves entering the classroom partly wet. So there is a lot involved in achieving a properly functioning ventilation system. And many factors need to be taken into account.

What is needed for a good and healthy indoor climate? From the above it should be clear that the right temperature and humidity in combination with possible control on CO₂ values are necessary for the right parameters to learn and perform, within a healthy environment. These CO₂ values are becoming increasingly important in view of the upcoming plans of the government to provide schools with a CO₂ meter. The aim of this is to increase the quality of ventilation in schools.

Systems

When we talk about school ventilation, two types of systems are relevant. A centralized or a decentralized system. The type of building then determines which system is most suitable for the solution. Our experts will be happy to advise you on this.