Schools present unique problems for designers and HVAC practitioners. Most schools are diverse structures with different requirements for classrooms, gymnasiums, locker rooms, cafeterias and auditoriums. Many schools also offer photography as a subject, thereby introducing contaminant problems associated with darkrooms. Physics and biology laboratories present their own unique challenges to maintaining proper indoor air quality throughout the facility.
Air quality is measured by temperature and humidity, and by the concentration of particulates and gaseous contaminants. Negative health effects from poor indoor air quality documented in educational facilities range from discomfort and respiratory irritation to acute or chronic illness. When classrooms are properly controlled for comfort and free of excessive contaminants, the learning environment is enhanced.
On any given school day, school buildings are occupied by 51 million people - equivalent to one fifth of the entire United States population. There are 110,000 schools in over 15,000 districts, with 2.3 million teachers, 126,000 administrators and 600,000 support staff. By providing proper indoor air quality we can:
- Reduce absence rates among students and staff
- Reduce building deterioration and improve energy efficiency
- Reduce outside air ventilation requirements
- Prevent strained relationships resulting from poor indoor air quality
- Reduce liabilities
- And, most importantly, we can protect our investment in the future