Underfunded school ventilation fails students
Here is the latest buzz in the world of Net Zero Club News Network – CIAT joining efforts to highlight the crucial importance of maintaining adequate ventilation in schools amidst the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. CIAT UK, a division of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading provider of intelligent climate and energy solutions, is stepping up to address the pressing issue.
It’s not just about money; it’s about the well-being and academic success of our students. A recent survey conducted by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) gathered responses from 8,585 state-funded secondary and primary schools in the UK. Shockingly, the survey revealed that over half of the respondents (57%) reported that their classrooms were uncomfortably hot due to poor ventilation during the summer. Additionally, 28% complained about cold conditions resulting from inadequate heating systems. The list of grievances extended to issues like broken windows and doors (19%) and leaking ceilings (19%).
The National Audit Office’s 2023 report shed light on the detrimental impact of sustained underinvestment in school infrastructure. Approximately 700,000 students were found to be studying in buildings that urgently needed refurbishment or reconstruction.
According to a study supported by Carrier and conducted by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, substandard ventilation and air quality can lead to elevated CO2 levels, dangerous levels of PM2.5, and VOCs. These harmful conditions not only pose physical health risks but also have a significant impact on mental well-being.
The study encompassed three interconnected research projects examining the effects of ventilation and filtration on cognitive function and health in various settings. The results were eye-opening, indicating a substantial improvement in cognitive function scores in green buildings with low VOCs and enhanced ventilation compared to conventional buildings.
Matthew Maleki, CIAT UK&I’s Business Development Manager and IAQ Champion, highlighted the remarkable findings, stating that cognitive function scores were 61% higher in green buildings and a staggering 101% higher in enhanced green buildings. Participants in green-certified buildings demonstrated a 26% higher cognitive function score on average, particularly excelling in areas such as crisis response and strategy.
The study underscored the vital role of well-ventilated, green spaces in enhancing cognitive function and mental health. Maleki emphasised that such environments not only shield students from physical harm but also boost productivity and reduce absenteeism. Bright, well-ventilated spaces with ample daylight were deemed essential for promoting a conducive learning environment.
To delve deeper into CIAT’s initiatives for improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), visit www.ciat.com/en/uk/about-us/ciat-4-life.
Stay tuned for more insightful articles like this in the September 2024 edition of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe now to stay updated on the latest developments in energy management.
