Ventilation rates in recently constructed U.S. school classrooms

Low ventilation rates (VRs) in schools have been associated with absenteeism, poorer academic performance, and teacher dissatisfaction. We measured VRs in 37 recently constructed or renovated and mechanically ventilated U.S. schools, including LEED and EnergyStar‐certified buildings, using CO2 and t...

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Published in:Indoor air Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 880 - 890
Main Authors: Batterman, S., Su, F.‐C., Wald, A., Watkins, F., Godwin, C., Thun, G.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.09.2017
Subjects:
Absenteeism
Accumulation
air change
Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis
Carbon dioxide
carbon dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide - analysis
Classrooms
Comfort
Decay
Energy conservation
Environmental Monitoring
Green buildings
high‐performance buildings
HVAC equipment
Mechanical ventilation
Radiant heating
Schools
United States
Ventilation
Ventilation - standards
Ventilators
carbon dioxide (CO2)
high-performance buildings
ventilation
air change
ISSN:0905-6947, 1600-0668, 1600-0668
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Low ventilation rates (VRs) in schools have been associated with absenteeism, poorer academic performance, and teacher dissatisfaction. We measured VRs in 37 recently constructed or renovated and mechanically ventilated U.S. schools, including LEED and EnergyStar‐certified buildings, using CO2 and the steady‐state, build‐up, decay, and transient mass balance methods. The transient mass balance method better matched conditions (specifically, changes in occupancy) and minimized biases seen in the other methods. During the school day, air change rates (ACRs) averaged 2.0±1.3 hour−1, and only 22% of classrooms met recommended minimum ventilation rates. HVAC systems were shut off at the school day close, and ACRs dropped to 0.21±0.19 hour−1. VRs did not differ by building type, although cost‐cutting and comfort measures resulted in low VRs and potentially impaired IAQ. VRs were lower in schools that used unit ventilators or radiant heating, in smaller schools and in larger classrooms. The steady‐state, build‐up, and decay methods had significant limitations and biases, showing the need to confirm that these methods are appropriate. Findings highlight the need to increase VRs and to ensure that energy saving and comfort measures do not compromise ventilation and IAQ.
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ISSN:0905-6947
1600-0668
1600-0668
DOI:10.1111/ina.12384