short and longer-term steps to monitor and manage fresh air coming into buildings and will include consideration of technological solutions to improve air quality.”
By measuring the level of CO2 in a space, schools will be able to get a good picture of what the indoor air quality is and how the spaces ventilate.
So far ACT is not following Victoria’s strategy of rolling out air purifying devices in schools.
“When connected to HVAC control systems, these CO2 sensors can be programmed to either increase or decrease outdoor air intake,” the spokeswoman said.
“This would be helpful for example in excluding bushfire smoke, but will also be helpful to improve the levels of fresh air in classrooms during pandemic conditions.”
The ACT Education Directorate started a program to install CO2 sensors in 2018 to manage air quality and energy efficiency in schools.
Thirty-five public schools already have CO2 sensors installed in key buildings including libraries, halls and gyms.
Standalone monitors can be installed in schools that don’t have a suitable building management system.
