Peder Lykke School - interview with teacher
COâ‚‚ as a key indicator
We now know that indoor air quality affects both health and performance. But which indicator for indoor air quality is generally used in schools and other learning environments?
CO₂ – carbon dioxide – is the most relevant indicator for indoor air quality as it relates to people, whether in homes, offices or schools. CO₂ is measured in parts per million (ppm).
Levels indoors rise as a result of human activity and can only be lowered through ventilation. The more COâ‚‚ that is present in a room, the more pollutants you are likely to experience overall.
What constitutes good air quality?
Outdoor COâ‚‚ levels are approximately 400 ppm. As breathing generates COâ‚‚, indoor air will always have a higher concentration when people are present.
A COâ‚‚ level of up to around 1,150 ppm is considered good air quality. 1,400 ppm will be acceptable in most situations, although not for prolonged periods. COâ‚‚ levels above 1,600 ppm indicate lower air quality, and exposure time above this level should be minimised.
With our key indicator in place, it’s time to look at how designers and architects can improve air quality in buildings.