Bringing more solutions to the table for healthier and safer K-12 learning environments

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the “air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. [1] Quantitative markers of indoor air quality, like the concentration of pollutant levels in the air, can be measured in real-time so IAQ can be improved before symptoms of poor IAQ manifest, which include headaches, dizziness and fatigue. [1] Air quality assessed as part of IAQ include air pollutants including asbestos, CO₂, PM2.5 VOCs, and radon. [1] Standards set by issuers like WELL Building Standard™, Fitwel® and ASHRAE can be guides to help achieve good IAQ. Decreasing these air pollutants can start improving IAQ in your indoor environment, some of which sourced from building materials, cleaning products, tobacco products, pesticides, environmental and second-hand smoke, and biological pollutants. [1]

There are multiple ways to understand air quality in classrooms:

1. Test air quality using an air quality monitor one-time, continuously or by assessment. Air quality monitors are devices that track IAQ indoors including humidity, fine particles, etc. [2] Metrics to watch out for in your indoor environment include TVOCs, CO₂, and PM2.5 to help assess your IAQ. [3]
2. Assess the physical room for current efforts towards IAQ, including products for air purification or ventilation. Some questions to ask one-self when assessing if IAQ is being considered: Are there air purifiers being used? Do windows open? Are vacuums being used often? Are we using pollutant-less cleaning products? [4]
3. Check for physical symptoms of poor indoor air quality in the room. Frequent signs of poor air quality can include complaints from school occupants of headaches, cold symptoms and asthma flares. [5] However, we recommend understanding IAQ in your classroom before symptoms occur. HVAC professionals like Carrier can help schools address IAQ concerns before symptoms occur.

1. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
2. Carrier Air Monitor | Carrier @ Home
3. ABOUND™ by Carrier| Healthy & Efficient Buildings
4. How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality At Home | Which?
5. Is Your School's Indoor Air Quality Making Students Sick? | weareteachers.com

Indoor air quality can be tested through monitoring (one-time or continuous) or assessments, and then verified through air quality certifications.

Air Quality Monitors: Indoor air quality (IAQ) monitors are devices that track IAQ indoors including humidity, fine particles, etc. [1] They are easy to procure, generally are smaller than a tissue box, and measure air quality within a defined square footage range. Monitors can detect IAQ measures including CO₂, PM2.5, humidity, radon, temperature, etc. [1,2] Monitors can be used in a room to measure IAQ continuously or at a point in time. Furthermore, monitors can alert occupants when performance metrics step outside of approved ranges, for example when CO₂ gets too high so that occupants or operations managers can take action to improve indoor air quality. When combined with digital platform solutions like ABOUND™, monitors can provide school operators a complete picture of IAQ classroom by classroom or school by school within a district to enable them to better manage IAQ. Monitor accuracy is dependent on placement and best practices can be found in the WELL Performance Verification Guidebook. [3] Air Quality monitors can help you establish a baseline for IAQ and assess and select solutions, if needed, to improve indoor air quality.

IAQ Assessment: In addition to air monitors, air quality can be measured through point-in-time IAQ assessments, which are typically more holistic than monitoring alone. Assessments can include using a monitor to test for indoor air quality throughout a building but can also include assessing building system(s) performance that affect air, like HVAC and controls, as well. Assessments generally measure building system performance and indoor air quality against a set standard (e.g., CCHAS, WELL, ASHRAE) and can be completed in-house, or via a third party like Carrier. Assessments can be used to determine your air quality, develop strategies to improve air and plan next steps to bring solutions to life. [4] To learn more about IAQ Assessments by Carrier and for a detailed view of our offering, click here.

Building Site Certification: Building site certifications are third party verifications that indicate a building meets or exceeds a minimum standard, generally at annual intervals. Common building site certifications include WELL, LEED®, Fitwel, and BREEAM. [5] Certifications are usually shared publicly at building entrances to reassure occupants that building performance supports desired outcomes, like building health or sustainability. Site certifications require assessments and metrics to verify standards are met. For example, Carrier’s Certified Healthy Air System (CCHAS), assesses and certifies that building systems support Carrier’s certified ratings for indoor air quality. [6]

1. ABOUND™ by Carrier| Healthy & Efficient Buildings
2. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
3. WELL Performance Verification Guidebook Q1 2019 | storyblok.com
4. IAQ Assessments | Carrier
5. Top 11 Green Building Certifications That Can Increase Your Property’s Marketability | SharpLaunch
6. Healthy Buildings | Improving Indoor Air Quality | Carrier Corporate

Schools have multiple available strategies to choose from to improve learning environments [1], especially indoor air quality that can be layered to optimize results. [2] The overall strategy should consider constraints including current infrastructure limitations, funding availability, feasibility given timelines and more. Regardless, of constraints there are immediate actions a school can take to improve learning environments quickly as they select longer term strategies and solutions.

Quick win solutions are generally fast and cost-effective to implement relative to larger scale solutions. Below are actions that can be taken quickly to positive impact learning environments in schools.

• Improve classroom ventilation and air circulation which can “reduce sources of health problems, inhibit the spread of airborne infections, help keep pollutants, stale air and mold growth out of the classroom.”1 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends 5-6 outdoor air ventilation rates (air changes per hour) for schools (excluding lecture halls). [3]
  • Ensure classroom doors and windows are operational, and open windows [4] frequently as weather permits to bring in more outdoor air and increase natural light
  • Utilize existing equipment including HVAC systems or other equipment to increase air circulation, ventilation and more
  • Use a humidifier in classrooms and larger school spaces to sustain 40-60% humidity levels, and maintain over time [5]
  • Allow for more periodic outdoor time as part of the school day to increase outdoor air exposure
• Improve air filtration to capture indoor air pollutants and mitigate airborne disease transmission. [2] ASHRAE recommends schools use a MERV-13 filter or higher. [6] MERV ratings (minimum efficiency reporting values) rate a filter’s ability to capture particles of various sizes, the smaller the particles that can be filtered, the higher the MERV rating. [7,8] HEPA filters are highly effective and exceed the minimum ASHRAE recommendation.
  • Upgrade to HEPA filters which can remove “at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns” [8], or MERV-13 or higher filters as systems allow
  • Replace existing filters on a periodic basis [9]
  • Use an air conditioner with proper filters or air purifier in classrooms (or multiple in larger areas) [9]
• Clean the classroom to prevent the accumulation of clutter and dust and reduce the build-up of pollutants to support student and teacher productivity and health. [4]
  • Clean classrooms more frequently including mopping floors, cleaning fabrics [4] and take trash out sooner
  • Use cleaning products that are free from harsher chemicals and materials [10]
• Collaborate with facility managers or third parties to assess building systems and recommission equipment to original design parameters

Additional strategies to improve learning environments that can be applied at scale and generally require capital expenditure, are listed below. The solutions listed below are HVAC focused and typically deliver more robust results but take longer to implement and are most costly. However, air quality solutions, including HVAC solutions can be instrumental in transforming your school’s IAQ. For existing schools, we recommend taking an Assess-Select-Monitor approach to help determine your IAQ needs.

1. Assess: The first step is to assess the indoor air quality of your school to determine a current state baseline, identify areas of improvement, and inform solution selection. Assessing first against a chosen standard can help schools balance the needs of multiple classrooms or rooms, and help districts prioritize improvements across schools. To learn more about how to assess your school’s IAQ please see the FAQ: “How can I test indoor air quality?”
2. Select: Next, schools can explore solutions to address ventilation, filtration and purification needs. Oftentimes, schools lack internal resources and expertise to do this independently and rely on partners like engineers or consultants to determine which solutions are best. Carrier offers new equipment like chillers and rooftop units that can improve school environments, and for schools with existing equipment, controls are also offered that can be used to achieve desired outcomes like improved indoor air quality based on occupancy.
3. Monitor, Control & Maintain: Once a solution is installed, monitoring indoor air quality can help manage IAQ on an ongoing basis, enable continuous improvement and track return on investment (ROI). For example, cases for ROI can be tied to controlled HVAC usage based on school occupants, optimizing for cost and environmental outcomes. [11] Solutions that can optimize benefits include digital IAQ monitoring tools like Carrier’s Abound™ system which can help schools manage IAQ levels and energy consumption. Using both monitoring and controls allows for more proactive maintenance of IAQ and energy usage, to ensure ROI can be achieved.

1. Indoor Air Quality in High Performance Schools | US EPA
2. Let's Clear The Air On COVID | OSTP | The White House
3. ASHRAE Recommended Air Changes Per Hour | Smart Air
4. Take Action to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA
5. Op-ed: Humidity can aid in the fight against COVID-19 | Harvard University
6. Air Cleaners, HVAC Filters, and Coronavirus (COVID-19) | US EPA
7. ASHRAE Epidemic Taskforce
8. What is a MERV rating? | US EPA
9. David Gitlin talks about surging air conditioner demand amid coronavirus pandemic | CNBC
10. Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association
11. River Trails Middle School | Better Buildings Initiative | Energy.gov

School administrators, like superintendents and school boards are those typically involved in funding allocation decisions and capital expenditures for school facility improvements, including those committed to improving learning environment quality. [1] Superintendents and school boards play different roles, but both are important in addressing Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) issues in schools.

Talk to Superintendents and School Boards about:

• Allocation of ESSER Funds toward HVAC and IAQ improvements
• Allocation of capital budgets toward HVAC and IAQ improvements
• Prioritization of HVAC investments relative to other options
• Increase in budget for school capital expenditures
• Importance of IAQ and quality learning environments
• What is currently being done to improve learning environments
• Progress toward learning environment improvements

1. Take Action to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools | US EPA

Indoor environment quality (IEQ) is the “indoor conditions in a building related to the health of those who occupy it”. [1] The definition is broad and includes indoor air quality, lighting, thermal conditions and moisture.2 Issues regarding IEQ can be assessed through their effects on occupants such as respiratory symptoms related to damp building conditions. [1]

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is “air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. [3] IAQ issues may show up after long-term exposure, while others may experience more immediate effects. Symptoms of poor IAQ include nose, throat and eye irritation, dizziness, headaches and fatigue after single or multiple exposure to contaminants. [3] IAQ is a contributing factor to overall building IEQ; both being linked through current ventilation standards today by the agency, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers). [2]

IEQ and IAQ both measure outcomes of indoor building conditions but IEQ has a broader scope of what is considered to determine quality compared to IAQ, which focuses solely on air. The scope of IEQ includes building IAQ, as well as measure for lighting, ergonomics and anything else that impacts occupant health. [4] Carrier solutions can positively affect both IAQ and IEQ by improving building health, safety, and sustainability. For example, Carrier’s Abound platform can show occupants their energy consumption and air quality in a single interface using sensors and third party information to help schools manage their IEQ and IAQ. [5] Carrier’s commitment to our customers and continued innovation has made Carrier a preferred partner for schools to improve school learning environments by making them healthier, safer, more sustainable and more comfortable for occupants.

1. Indoor Environmental Quality | NIOSH | CDC
2. IAQ versus IEQ: What’s the difference? | Consulting - Specifying Engineer (csemag.com)
3. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality | US EPA
4. Green Building 101: What is indoor environmental quality? | USGBC
5. ABOUND by Carrier | Healthy & Efficient Buildings

Schools can get started creating an IAQ strategy by first determining if one has already been created in the past by validating with school administrators. If one does not exist, schools take the following steps to create an IAQ plan for you school using the EPA’s IAQ Management Framework: Organizing, Communicating, Assessing and Planning. [1]

• Organizing involves putting together a customized approach for your school, getting the right stakeholders involved and building a team to execute after a plan has been created. [1] Carrier can assist schools or districts in designing their IAQ plans and setting realistic and science-backed goals for their learning environments.
• Communicating involves letting community and school members know of IAQ programming being developed, and being transparent with IAQ importance, as well as intended outcomes.1 Carrier provides educational resources to help engage your community in efforts to support better learning environments. Carrier representatives have spoken at School Board meetings, government-led webinars, and other events to spread awareness of healthy schools and indoor air quality.
• Assessing is putting into action some of the goals being developed beginning with establishing a current state baseline. Carrier can be a helpful partner to schools to assess current state of IAQ and building system operations through digital solutions such as ABOUND or services like IAQ assessments. To learn more about how we can help, Contact a Carrier Expert or see FAQ, How Can I Test Indoor Air Quality? [1]

Finally, planning is developing detailed goals based on, current state and high-level goals of the overall IAQ program to create a workplan.  [1]

To see how Carrier has supported schools to improve IAQ see these case studies:

• New Carrier HVAC Solution Will Boost Gallipolis School District’s IAQ and Energy Efficiency
• Cherokee County School District Improves IAQ with ABOUND IoT Platform
• Southern California School District to Install 3,700 Carrier OptiCleanTM Units to Help Improve IAQ for Students, Teachers and Staff

Please visit the EPA for a list of case studies of how schools like yours have improved IAQ: Framework for Effective School IAQ Management

1. Framework for Effective School IAQ Management | US EPA