The Importance of Indoor Air Quality in Schools for Supporting Student Health and Learning
In today’s education spaces, indoor air quality is a vital yet often underestimated factor that directly impacts students' health, concentration and overall learning experience. Research has shown that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can impair student cognitive performance, slowing response times and reducing focus. With the significant amount of time spent indoors, reducing exposure to pollutants and allergens and minimising the spread of viruses in educational environments is crucial both for the health and academic outcomes of all students.
The Research
According to the Food Safety and Science Research Centre, New Zealand and Australia have the highest incidences of food allergies in the world.1 Within Aotearoa, the age breakdown is 10% of babies by the age of one, 4-8% of children and 2-3% of adults. In addition to this, globally, New Zealand ranks as having one of the highest prevalences of asthma.2 In New Zealand, one in seven children aged 2–14 years report taking asthma medication and one in eight adults, with Māori and Pacific people experiencing the highest rates of asthma.
The indoor built environment plays such a critical role in the overall well-being of students who spend significant amounts of time indoors each day. Younger students, whose lungs until the age of 18 are still developing, are especially sensitive to poor indoor air quality, which can worsen conditions like asthma and allergies—both major contributors to school absences.
“Exposure to various air pollutants in school buildings risks severe damage to young pupils’ health since they inhale a larger volume of air corresponding to their body weights than do adults,”
- Indoor Air Quality and Health in Schools: A Critical Review for Developing the Roadmap for the Future School Environment.
Both qualitative and quantitative research increasingly demonstrate the strong connection between indoor air quality (IAQ) and human performance. Studies show that enhanced IAQ boosts productivity and enhances cognitive functions like concentration and memory retention in both adults and children. This mounting evidence highlights the importance for educational facilities to implement IAQ management plans, incorporating essential maintenance practices as a fundamental component of their educational development strategies3.
Ventilation in Schools
Good ventilation helps to manage asthma and allergies by reducing the concentration of airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander and mould spores in a room by circulating fresh air and removing stale, pollutant-laden air. It is also important for minimising the risk of airborne transmission of viruses, such as COVID-19, improving overall indoor air quality and minimising triggers for respiratory issues and viral spread.
It’s estimated that 360,000 school days are lost each year due to asthma-related symptoms in children.- Asthma Foundation NZ
According to the Ministry of Education, the most effective way to ventilate indoor spaces is by fully opening all windows and doors, unless the space is fitted with a ducted air conditioning system (excluding heat pumps). Keeping windows open as much as possible will help protect our tamariki by slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing allergen and asthma triggers.
Priority is given to natural or mixed-mode ventilation, depending on the climate zone, with fully mechanical ventilation systems considered only as a last resort.
Beyond natural and mixed-mode ventilation methods, the Ministry of Education (MOE) outlines a set of mandatory requirements for Indoor Air Quality in both new build and education refurbishments that address several key issues:
Sustainable Heating and Ventilation
- The installation of new gas, diesel, oil or coal boilers is strictly prohibited as part of the MOE’s commitment to carbon reduction.
- Heating, cooling and ventilation systems must be selected using the MOE’s Life Cycle Analysis Calculator Tool to ensure sustainability and efficiency.
Internal Environment Monitoring (IEM)
- Each teaching space must have an IEM monitor to track CO₂ levels, temperature, relative humidity, lighting and sound.
- These monitors must feature a direct reading display and the ability to store and download accumulated data.
- Project Teams must source all IEM devices directly from the MOE.
Design Verification
- For smaller buildings with simpler layouts, a design statement with supporting calculations must confirm compliance with thermal and air quality requirements.
- For larger buildings with more complex designs, Climate-Based Modelling is required to demonstrate compliance with overheating and air quality standards.
Refurbishment Recommendations for Improved IAQ
When upgrading school facilities, strategies for Indoor Air Quality should align closely with those used in new buildings – there is often room for improvement in these areas.
Key Considerations for Upgrades:
- If modifications significantly impact layout, occupancy, activity types or reveal major issues with existing IAQ conditions, the guidelines outlined in Section 1 of The MOE's Designing Quality Learning Spaces – IAQ & TC should be followed as much as reasonably practicable.
- Any changes to structural elements—including walls, windows, floors, ceilings, roofs, doors and partitions—must be assessed for their impact on IAQ to ensure a healthy and comfortable indoor environment.
(Read more on the Ministry of Educations guidelines for Designing Quality Learning Spaces for Indoor Air Quality here.)
The Role of Flooring in Indoor Air Quality
Flooring plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality, as certain materials can trap allergens and pollutants, affecting the overall health of a space. Selecting the right types of flooring can significantly reduce airborne contaminants.
When making flooring selections for IAQ look for options that:
- Low or No VOCs
- Material Health Statements
- Non-Toxic Adhesives & Finishes – Opt for flooring that can be installed without toxic adhesives or use low-VOC, water-based adhesives and sealants.
- Ease of Cleaning – Select flooring that is easy to clean without harsh chemicals, such as no-polish sheet vinyl or low-pile carpet.
- Dust and Particulate Control – Smooth flooring types like hardwood, vinyl, and tile reduce dust accumulation compared to plush carpets (used where appropriate), when soft flooring is required opt for a low pile carpet tile with relevant certifcations.
- Third-Party Certifications – Look for GreenGuard, Cradle to Cradle and FloorScore certifications to ensure flooring meets strict IAQ and environmental standards.
Optimal indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is not just about comfort—it’s a fundamental necessity for protecting student health, enhancing cognitive performance and improving overall academic outcomes. With growing research linking poor IAQ to increased absenteeism, asthma and reduced concentration, schools must prioritise effective ventilation and the use of low-emission materials. By implementing IAQ-focused design strategies and adhering to best practices, educational institutions can create safer, healthier learning environments where students of all ages can thrive.
References:
1. Food Magazine
2. International Asthma Data Comparisons
3. United States Environmental Protection Agency
Indoor Air Quality and Health in Schools: A Critical Review for Developing the Roadmap for the Future School Environment.
DQLS Overview Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort 2022