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INDOOR AIR QUALITY BSEE


IAQ AND ITS IMPACT ON EXAM RESULTS Creating the right environment for students


t is estimated that a million extra pupils will enter the English school system over the next 10 years – half of whom will need to be accommodated in 2018/2019 alone. Schools have a responsibility to provide pupils and teachers with a healthy, safe and productive environment in which to learn and work. But this responsibility rests particularly heavily on the shoulders of secondary schools in January and June, when exams dominate the school calendar, and when pupils must perform at their best.


I


The way a school is designed can significantly impact on pupils’ productivity and overall wellbeing. Andy Williams, Technical Consultant at Jaga, explains why investing in intelligent, efficient ventilation solutions can create an environment that allows pupils to thrive.


Whilst UK secondary schools pupils are not strictly underperforming in examinations, according to the latest data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), there has been little change in the performance of 15 and 16-year olds in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science in 2015 when compared with the previous year’s figures. England remains 27th on the global table when analysing exam results, despite the UK government’s ambition to make Britain’s schools among the best in the world by 2020.


Building design and its impact on the school environment


Designing a school building to ensure comfort and productivity is key. However, according to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) ‘dangerous and dilapidated’ school buildings are causing children to under perform and teaching staff to quit their jobs. In a national survey, just 5% of the 59,967 school buildings studied were classed as performing as intended and operating efficiently. The majority of teachers voted that the top three aspects of learning design which should be improved to enhance productivity were good lighting (92%), ventilation (91%) and spacious learning areas (83%).


Poor IAQ and its impact


in the classroom. The result of poor IAQ on pupils can be wide-ranging and can affect concentration, productivity and attention span – factors that are vital when it comes to sitting exams.


Whilst the quality of teaching, classroom sizes and students themselves will inevitably impact pupils’ exam results, there are other external factors that can affect the learning environment. In recent years, increased focus has been placed on the school building itself, and in particular how the air quality inside the building can impact pupils. Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is often caused by little or no ventilation and a consequent build-up of CO2


Importance of meeting regulations


To help combat poor IAQ in schools, the UK government produced Buildings Bulletin 101 (BB101), offering guidance on appropriate levels for CO2


that CO2 in school buildings. The guidelines advised


– a direct indicator of IAQ – should have a mean occupied concentration of 1,500ppm. Failing to meet these levels can significantly affect students’ performance in schools. It has been proven that there is a direct correlation between inadequate ventilation in schools and poor pupil performance.


According to a study by the University of Exeter, the cognitive performance of an occupant decreases by 5% when CO2


levels rise above


1,500ppm. These symptoms can be exacerbated in the school environment – an often densely populated space.


How can schools provide pupils with the optimum learning environment?


To maximise productivity, schools must better ventilate their buildings. The type of ventilation chosen for a building is vital. Manual ventilation methods such as opening a window may marginally improve air quality, but it can be difficult to measure and maintain CO2


levels.


Instead, specifiers should be encouraged to install Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV) – a system that is highly intelligent and able to instantly detect the level of CO2


in a room via


carefully placed sensors. When a high level of CO2 is detected, fresh, filtered air can be introduced into the room, whilst the stale air can conveniently be extracted.


Beat the budget cuts


According to a recent survey from a union of school leaders, the number of schools in deficit has more than doubled since 20159


, so it is also


crucial that the ventilation solution chosen is economically viable. The smart thing about DCV systems is that they only ventilate a room when needed – making it up to 28% more efficient than natural ventilation methods.


This means that when a building is unoccupied – in the school holidays for example – consistent and ongoing ventilation management isn’t required. On the flip side, on days or at times during a school day when levels of CO2


are high Sources:


The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) National Audit Office


Department for Education (DfE) Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Education Funding Agency University of Reading


uCould do better: Poor air quality in schools is impacting on exam results. But there is a solution. Intelligent, efficient ventilation solutions can create the right environment for students to thrive.


due to high occupancy in an exam hall or gym, the system kicks in to ensure that the IAQ remains at the optimum level.


In addition to controlling CO2 levels, a well-


designed ventilation system can also help control summer temperatures by utilising secure nighttime purge ventilation. This lowers the temperature within the space when external temperatures are lower.


Another example of an energy saving technology which can be used to beat the budget cuts in schools is Low-H2


O radiators – low


water content solutions which provide a faster response, higher comfort and lower fuel bills compared to standard steel panel radiators. Ultimately, when using DCV in conjunction with a highly efficient mechanical ventilation system and Low-H2


O radiators, the safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff can be maintained at an optimal level to positively impact productivity – supporting our educational endeavours to produce the best results from talented pupils.


www.jaga.co.uk


VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.bsee.co.uk


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2017 15


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