VENTILATION & AIR HANDLING The case for smarter ventilation in schools


Ventilation can play a major role in improving indoor air quality in schools, improving the wellbeing of building occupants and enhancing the learning environment, as Alan Siggins explains.


Alan Siggins www.airflow.com


I


Managing director Airflow


ndoor air quality is a critical factor in the performance, health, and wellbeing of building occupants, particularly in education and other high-occupancy environments. In warmer seasons, discussions around pupil and teacher comfort typically centre around temperature control, yet evidence indicates that carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration and ventilation have a significant influence on cognitive performance and pupil outcomes. Schools across the UK lack the


infrastructure and technology to maintain adequate indoor air quality across their estates. Despite improvements in energy performance and airtight construction, many classrooms continue to experience elevated CO₂ levels due to insufficient or inconsistent ventilation.


Cognitive impact Without adequate ventilation, CO₂ levels can rise quickly in occupied classrooms. While this is not always noticeable, the effects are well documented. Higher CO₂ levels are linked to tiredness, reduced concentration, headaches, and lower cognitive performance. A recent report by Airflow found


that 29% of schools do not have CO₂ monitoring systems installed, meaning many classrooms are effectively operating without visibility of potentially detrimental indoor air quality conditions. Without monitoring, it becomes difficult to manage ventilation effectively or respond to poor conditions during the school day, risking impaired occupant health and performance. Despite growing awareness of the


importance of indoor air quality, uptake of smart ventilation remains limited. The Smart Ventilation in Schools Report found just 21% of schools have implemented smart ventilation systems, reflecting a wider structural issue across the education estate: as buildings improve and become increasingly airtight, the need for mechanical ventilation increases to maintain healthy indoor air quality in schools.


IAQ challenges Schools report a range of practical


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Airflow’s Duplexbase commercial MVHR with integrated cooling offers an effective, all-in-one solution for schools seeking to balance indoor air quality and occupant comfort. Designed specifically for environments such as classrooms and educational buildings, the system continuously supplies fresh, filtered air while extracting stale air, helping to maintain healthy CO₂ levels and reduce pollutants that can affect student concentration and wellbeing .With high heat recovery efficiency (often above 90%), it minimises energy use while maintaining stable indoor temperatures . Crucially, the option for integrated


challenges when it comes to effectively ventilating classrooms. Many still rely on natural ventilation, but in older buildings, window design and placement are often limited or ineffective. Noise from outside, poor air quality in urban areas, security concerns, and changing weather conditions all limit how effective natural airflow can be. Even when windows are open, it can be difficult to maintain consistent airflow throughout the day. Maintaining low CO₂ levels


throughout the day is another common issue, particularly in the afternoon, even where monitoring or temporary measures such as air purifiers are in use. Seasonal and operational factors


further restrict airflow, including the need to keep external doors closed for safeguarding and security concerns. Together, these factors make it difficult for schools to maintain consistent indoor air quality using manual or natural ventilation alone. While rising temperatures have


driven use of air conditioning systems in schools, their role in supporting overall indoor air quality remains limited. Air conditioning only goes so far in


improving the indoor air temperature, simply addressing thermal comfort rather than indoor air quality. Most air conditioning systems simply recirculate dirty indoor air and do not reduce CO₂ concentration or remove airborne contaminants. As a result, while a room’s


temperature may be made more comfortable, air conditioning alone won’t result in any improvement in air quality. Within building services design, this distinction is critical: temperature control improves how a space feels, but ventilation determines how well it supports learning.


A smart ventilation system can help to maintain a healthier and more comfortable classroom


Regulatory requirements Ventilation design in educational buildings is governed primarily by BB101 (ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality) and BB93 (acoustic performance in schools). BB101 defines minimum ventilation


rates, CO₂ thresholds, and overheating criteria, while BB93 sets acoustic limits that directly influence system selection. Ventilation solutions must therefore balance airflow performance with strict noise constraints. In practice, these requirements


can limit the effectiveness of natural ventilation strategies. As a consequence, low-noise mechanical ventilation is increasingly recommended.


Responsive approach Smart ventilation introduces a controlled, responsive approach using real-time sensor data. Systems monitor CO₂ concentration, temperature, and occupancy, adjusting airflow automatically to maintain healthy air conditions.


This enables demand-controlled


ventilation (DCV), aligning ventilation rates with actual occupancy rather than fixed schedules or manual intervention. Key benefits include:


● Continuous monitoring of CO₂, humidity, and temperature ● Automated adjustment of airflow based on occupancy demand ● Centralised management across multiple classrooms or buildings ● Reduced energy consumption through demand-led operation and heat recovery


cooling coils and automatic summer bypass enables the system to temper incoming air during warmer periods, preventing overheating and improving comfort without the need for separate air conditioning systems . Combined with demand-controlled ventilation and compatibility with building management systems, Duplexbase provides schools with a future-proof, energy-efficient approach that supports both regulatory compliance and a healthier, more comfortable learning environment.


Barriers to implementation The Smart Ventilation in Schools Report identifies funding as the most significant barrier to implementing smart ventilation systems in scho ols. Budgets often do not extend to additional improvements or retrofit projects, meaning schools would need to rely on additional funding or grants. But, with the Welsh and UK


Governments stepping up funding for school and college infrastructure, 2026 marks a turning point in ventilation investment, and a vital time for schools to update their ventilation strategies. Wales has allocated £20 million this


year for essential repairs, including heating and ventilation upgrades, with total maintenance funding now at £50 million for 2025-26, while in England, capital funding and retrofit schemes provide opportunities for schools to improve air quality alongside energy efficiency, with £470 million of capital funding through the Condition Improvement Fund for 2025-26. These funding streams present a timely opportunity for schools to move from reactive measures to more strategic investment in ventilation and indoor air quality. With additional government investment, smart ventilation offers a practical and tangible way forward. ■


EIBI | MAY 2026


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