ENERGY IN EDUCATION


Survey highlights the issue of poor ventilation in UK schools


A new study has found four in five UK schools (79%) are yet to adopt smart ventilation systems, meaning the vast majority of education buildings continue to rely on outdated or insufficient ventilation contributing to elevated levels of CO₂ and other indoor pollutants. The research also reveals that nearly


one-third (29%) of schools do not have any carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in classrooms, despite clear evidence that elevated CO₂ levels negatively affect pupil health, concentration, and learning outcomes. The ‘Smart Ventilation in Schools


Report’, conducted by indoor ventilation experts AIRFLOW, reveals the state of air quality monitoring in schools across the UK. The survey gathered data from over 500 schools, revealing the barriers to smart ventilation uptake. The study found academies represent


the largest share of schools with smart ventilation. 44% of schools with smart ventilation are academies, 33% are local authority maintained, and 22% are supported by multi-academy trusts; 44% are primary schools, 33% are secondary, and 22% are all-through schools. The findings highlight the growing need


for reliable ventilation in schools, particularly in older buildings or energy-efficient structures where natural airflow is limited. Without adequate ventilation, CO₂ and other indoor pollutants can accumulate, leading to tiredness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and reduced cognitive performance among pupils. The North currently leads in the uptake


of smart ventilation, with just under half (44%) of schools with such systems located in northern regions, equally split between the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber (22% each). London accounts for a third (33%) of


Smart sensors ensure smooth running of new university building


A wide range of devices from BELIMO have been installed to ensure energy efficient air supply and indoor air quality for a new facility at the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC). The new Daphne Steele Building, named after the first black matron to be appointed by the NHS, is the first of seven planned buildings to be developed on the 7-acre South Gate Campus. A total of three air source heat pumps


and four domestic hot water (DHW) cylinders were installed. These applications required highly reliable sensors to monitor cylinder immersion, flow, and return temperatures. Additional sensors were used to detect potential leaks. In total, nine Belimo sensors ensured


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schools with smart ventilation adoption, while the East Midlands and South East each account for 11%. Survey responses to air quality challenges included: ● Difficulty maintaining low CO₂ levels, particularly in the afternoons, even with monitoring and temporary use of air purifiers


● Lack of budget for improvements ● Overreliance on natural ventilation ● Older schools often lack modern ventilation technology or building management systems


● Seasonal factors, such as summer heat in unairconditioned buildings, and operational constraints like closed external doors for safeguarding affect airflow. “Ventilation must be considered at the earliest stages of school design and refurbishment, and decision-makers need a clearer understanding that cooling does not equal clean air,” says Alan Siggins, MD of Airflow. “By prioritising air quality alongside temperature control and energy efficiency in health and safety policies, schools can create healthier environments that genuinely support learning and wellbeing.” ▄ airflow.com


How universities can meet the


decarbonisation challenge ‘Heat Pumps for Decarbonising University Estates’ is a new guide produced by LOCHINVAR that addresses some of the challenges faced by academic buildings and student accommodation, as pressure grows to deliver on net-zero commitments. A key message from the guide is that no


single solution can effectively decarbonise the entire university estate. Academic buildings, typically equipped with larger plant rooms and benefiting from significant internal heat gains, require robust systems capable of delivering high volumes of domestic hot water (DHW). In contrast, student accommodation has predictable, residential-style demand patterns and requires highly efficient systems that are quiet, compact and reliable. It is argued that recognising these


differences is essential to avoid missizing systems, overspending on infrastructure, or undershooting carbon reduction targets. For large teaching spaces, sports


centres and multi-use academic buildings, Lochinvar’s Amicus AquaStore heat pump water heater is able to upgrade heat already present in plant rooms or warm environments and convert it efficiently into high temperature DHW.


By harnessing ambient heat that would


otherwise be wasted, AquaStore gives universities a practical, low-disruption pathway to replace legacy gas or direct electric systems in their academic estate, producing zero on-site emissions. Student accommodation presents


different design requirements, and here natural refrigerant technology is increasingly important. Lochinvar’s Amicus Altus R290 air source heat pump, for example, delivers outstanding efficiency, even at higher output temperatures, and is able to meet peak morning and evening DHW demand. With the addition of Imperium, systems


can be monitored and adjusted intelligently to maximise efficiency and ensure reliable year-round operation, a critical requirement for continuous occupancy buildings such as student residences. Lochinvar’s downloadable guide provides


practical insight into technology selection, system design and long-term planning for decarbonising both academic and residential estates. To access the full guide please scan the QR code. ▄ www.lochinvar.ltd.uk


differential pressure switches, 18 air temperature sensors, six air temperature and CO₂ sensors and one outside air temperature and humidity sensor). For energy-efficient operation and optimum room comfort, demand-based air distribution within zones was essential, so 88 Belimo damper actuators were installed to motorise multiple VAV systems from TROX. To guarantee excellent indoor air quality,


precise measurement of immersion, flow, and return temperatures as well as leak detection and all sensors are clearly visible with ease of future maintenance in mind. To provide an effective supply of fresh


air, six air handling units were installed and were equipped with a range of Belimo field devices (14 damper actuators, 30 air differential pressure sensors, 12 air


Various field devices from Belimo ensure the smooth operation of the building’s AHUs


precise control of the AHUs and door heaters was critical. Measurement was the first step. A total of 94 Belimo room operating units were installed, with 31 field devices measuring the space temperature of the overdoor heaters and the other 63 units monitoring room temperature and CO₂ levels.


Commissioning and verification of


readings were simplified thanks to the Belimo Assistant App. Throughout the process, Belimo supported the project team, from selecting the right field devices and ensuring speedy delivery to providing a 5-year warranty on all field devices. ▄ www.belimo.com


EIBI | FEBRUARY 2026


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