Work

Assessing ventilation performance in schools using continuous CO2 monitoring: Insights from renovation projects

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Well-functioning ventilation is critical for healthy indoor environments. In this study, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) was continuously measured to assess ventilation performance before and after a major renovation campaign involving 48 school buildings. A novel method was developed to identify build-up and decay periods from the data. Two metrics were then investigated: air change rates (ACRs), which were calculated using build-up and decay periods, and daily maximum concentrations (DMCs) of CO 2 measured during school days. Multiple paired samples t -tests revealed statistically significant changes following the renovations: an increase of ACRs and a decrease of DMCs. This study highlights the feasibility, benefits, and scalability of continuously measuring CO 2 to investigate ventilation performance in schools.

Source: Building and Environment

DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.112406

Authors: Samy Clinchard, Ulla Haverinen-Shaughnessy, Richard Shaughnessy

Institutions: University of Oulu, University of Tulsa

Language: English

Topic: Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,200