SUPSI examines air in schools
The University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) is part of a research project that is investigating how the air quality in schools can be improved. SUPSI will present the specific recommendations from this study in a training course for experts and at a public conference.
The research project called Quality of Air in School Buildings ( QAES ) aims to find concrete technological solutions to improve air quality in schools. The Institute for Applied Sustainability in the Built Environment of SUPSI is involved, as is the Logistics Section of the Ticino Finance and Economics Department, the Minergie Association and the communities of Bellinzona and Mendrisio. As part of an Interreg project of the European Regional Development Fund , Ticino research, industry and public institutions are working together with South Tyrolean partners.
According to a press release , the aim of this study is to measure air quality in classrooms and to provide tools to improve it, which reduce pollution. The starting point was a study by the Federal Office of Public Health . Samples in 200 classrooms showed that the limit of 2000 ppm (parts per million) CO2 in the room air was exceeded in two thirds.
This study showed that the concentration is lower in Minergie-certified buildings with systematic air exchange. During the measurements, cases were also found in which volatile organic and microbial compounds exceeded the safety limit or were very close to it. The recommendations of the study authors range from air monitoring systems in classrooms to the use of air purifiers and the replacement of windows and doors.
On September 15 and 16, SUPSI is holding a further training course on the subject for specialists from the construction sector. Registration is required for this. There will also be a public conference on the subject on September 16.