Analysis of the Impact of New Singular Ventilation Technologies on Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Laura Quant*, Olga Macias-Juez, Ander Romero-Amorrortu, Asier Urrutia-Sustatxa, Antxon Urrutia-Sustatxa, Javier de-Iribas

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Concern about indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools has grown in recent years, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored its impact on children's health. Existing educational buildings employ simple strategies such as opening windows to ventilate classrooms. While this approach achieves the goal of air renewal, it compromises energy efficiency and user comfort. In this context, there is a need to address ventilation in schools from a new perspective, providing innovative technologies that allow quick and simple installation while guaranteeing high standards of air quality, energy efficiency, and user comfort. In response to this challenge, a new solution has been developed consisting of autonomous equipment installed inside each classroom and featuring independent intelligent control. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the applicability and the social impact that the widespread implementation of this alternative technology could have compared to conventional methods. The general characteristics and the specific peculiarities and needs of schools in the Basque Country (CAPV) in Spain were determined. The study first approached the topic theoretically through bibliographic references and statistical analysis, and subsequently, fieldwork to assess the reality of existing buildings. Additionally, an air quality monitoring campaign was carried out in pilot schools, conducted in two stages: first without ventilation and later with the new solution. The study evaluated the benefits in terms of improved air quality achieved, as well as the improvements in the implementation and operational processes. These results were extrapolated to Basque educational buildings, providing an estimation of the potential impact of this new ventilation approach. Highly positive results were yielded in terms of acceptance, feasibility, and ultimately, addressing the identified challenges.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvancements in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Research and Practice - Integrating Disruptive Technologies and Innovation for Future Excellence
EditorsAbdulLateef Olanrewaju, Silvana Bruno
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages147-156
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9783031593284
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event4th International Conference on Parallelism in Architecture, Engineering and Computing Techniques, PACT 2022 and 1st International Conference on Disruptive Technologies: Innovations and Interdisciplinary Considerations, DTIIC 2023 - London, United Kingdom
Duration: 2 Oct 20234 Oct 2023

Publication series

NameAdvances in Science, Technology and Innovation
ISSN (Print)2522-8714
ISSN (Electronic)2522-8722

Conference

Conference4th International Conference on Parallelism in Architecture, Engineering and Computing Techniques, PACT 2022 and 1st International Conference on Disruptive Technologies: Innovations and Interdisciplinary Considerations, DTIIC 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLondon
Period2/10/234/10/23

Keywords

  • CO
  • Demand-controlled ventilation
  • Energy efficiency
  • Indoor air quality
  • Schools
  • Ventilation

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