Case study Warwickshire County Council schools

Warwickshire County Council has taken a pioneering step in ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff by monitoring and managing indoor air quality in schools.

The Council appointed Evotech Air Quality to undertake a comprehensive project to install air quality sensors across multiple educational establishments. This initiative aims to create a healthier learning environment and provide valuable data to inform local air quality policies.

Indoor air quality monitoring

During April and May 2023, Evotech’s air quality team installed over 1,200 Airthings air quality sensors in 28 schools within Warwickshire County. This extensive installation covers a total of 2.3 million square feet of floorspace, directly benefiting nearly 26,000 pupils and young people, as well as 4,500 teachers.

Airthings Hubs have been carefully positioned in each school to ensure adequate network coverage and connectivity, with each Hub able to support up to 30 Wave Plus sensors, connected via a SmartLink mesh network. Data streaming between the Hubs and the Airthings cloud dashboard, via an onboard eSIM, ensures the solution remains independent from the schools wired network(s). The sensors are strategically placed to monitor a variety of air quality parameters, including:

• Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Radon
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Humidity
• Temperature
• Light
• Noise

And, in addition, the Airthings virtual sensor employs a proven algorithm to score virus risk out of ten, offering a comprehensive overview of the indoor environment's safety and cleanliness.

Monitoring outdoor air quality in Rugby

To complement the indoor air quality monitoring, a total of seven Airly outdoor air quality sensors were installed in five school playgrounds and outside the Town Hall in Rugby. These sensors are specifically designed to monitor traffic emissions and other ambient environmental factors with the data collected including:

• Particulate matter levels
• Nitrogen dioxide levels
• Humidity
• Temperature
• Air pressure

This dual approach at the Rugby schools ensures that both indoor and outdoor environments are monitored, to provide a holistic view of the air quality that students and staff and the surrounding community are exposed to.

Impact and benefits

The implementation of this project by Warwickshire County Council has several significant impacts:

Enhanced learning environment

By continuously monitoring and managing air quality, schools can maintain an optimal learning environment. Improved air quality has been linked to better concentration, reduced absenteeism, and overall enhanced academic performance.

Health and well-being

The sensors provide real-time data that helps in identifying and mitigating harmful pollutants. This proactive approach protects students and staff from potential health risks associated with poor air quality, such as respiratory issues and allergies.

Informed policy making

The data collected from both indoor and outdoor sensors is invaluable for local authorities. It helps in understanding the sources and patterns of air pollution, thereby informing policies aimed at improving air quality across the region.

Community awarenes

The initiative raises awareness among students, staff, and the broader community about the importance of air quality. It encourages proactive behaviour and engagement in environmental health issues.

Warwickshire County Council's initiative in monitoring and managing indoor air quality in schools sets a benchmark for other regions to follow. By leveraging advanced technology and comprehensive data collection, the council ensures a healthier and more conducive learning environment. This project not only benefits the immediate school community but also contributes to broader efforts in improving environmental health standards.