New report highlights link between classroom air quality and pupil performance
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(79%) are yet to adopt smart ventilation systems, meaning the vast majority of education buildings continue to rely on outdated or insufficient ventilation, contributing to elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other indoor pollutants.
The research also reveals that nearly one-third (29%) of schools do not have any 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 Airflow, reveals the state of air quality monitoring in schools across the UK. The survey gathered data from over 500 schools, highlighting the barriers to smart ventilation uptake.
Alan Siggins, Managing Director of Airflow, said: “Air quality in classrooms is not a facilities issue, but a public health and education priority. Poor ventilation impacts learning, teacher wellbeing and pupil performance, with more needing to be done to improve health and outcomes alike.
“Every classroom should have carbon dioxide monitoring in place so schools can identify problems early and act on them. But monitoring alone is not enough. Schools also need to invest in smart ventilation solutions, both in new buildings and retrofit projects, that deliver a reliable source of fresh air while using energy efficiently.”
