Few places are more important to the health of children than school buildings, where quality air is vital to protect developing lungs from harm.
Research shows thousands of schoolchildren in the UK are at risk of breathing dangerous levels of toxic air on the school run, and some school buildings offer little respite. However, effective ventilation and a focus on the quality of the air students are breathing can make a difference.
BB101 guidelines for schools address three key areas – ventilation, thermal comfort and indoor air quality. A recent update raised the standards, including more emphasis on avoiding overheating in the summer and better control of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels.
The new guidance states that where natural or hybrid ventilation is used, the average concentration of CO2 should be less than 1500ppm and should not exceed 2000ppm for more than 20 minutes each day. When a mechanical ventilation system is in place, these limits drop to 1000ppm and 1500ppm.
Efficient, healthy and comfortable
Matthew Bray, commercial director at Breathing Buildings, welcomed the update, which represented the first change to BB101 guidance since 2006. “It comprehensively addresses the issues of air quality, thermal comfort and energy use, all of which are key to the design of ventilation systems in schools,” he said.
“This guidance will help ensure that we have efficient, healthy and comfortable environments in schools so children will benefit from effective teaching and learning spaces.”
A focus on indoor air quality is particularly important in light of research showing children absorb black carbon, tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream, frequently on the school run. Queen Mary University also found high levels of the particles in classrooms.
The university’s Professor Jonathan Grigg said: “We know that black carbon has long-term health implications for young people and this shows that they are absorbing a disproportionate amount of these toxic particles during the school day, whether that be walking along a busy road or sitting in a car breathing in diesel fumes or even in the playground or classroom.”
Regular, effective servicing of school ventilation systems is vital to help prevent further harm and to maintain a supply of good quality air. To learn more about improving the environment in your own buildings, click below to contact the 361 Servicing team.
