CO 2 concentrations in Norwegian classrooms: student- based evaluation on behalf of the research team

Study questions Do Norwegian classrooms fulfill the norm for CO 2 (1000 ppm) Is the indoor air better when ventilating by open windows Is the indoor air better in classrooms with ventilation system Do older schools suffer from worse indoor air than new ones Do students notice reduced indoor air quality

Background Focus in media on the need to rehabilitate schools to fullfill the technical criteria and to achieve an acceptable indoor air quality Ventilation using windows is often recommended by teachers  Natural topic for Research Week of the RCN Collaboration already established (Education department, Research Council), e-learning portal in place

Targets To involve as many schools as possible, irrespective where they are located To enable them to effectively measure CO 2 using agreed-upon methodology Means: net-based

Methods Invite all schools (letter) Provide methods (online) and equipment (”NILUs little red” - sponsored by the producer of the absorption tubes) Create internet portal Media campaign to support school recruitment

The ”Little Red” Registration sheet with inlogging info and methods description Questionnaire about the school and classroom Two absorption tubes (+ file) for CO 2 assessment in concentrations ppm Syringe with silicon tubing to suck air through

Results 688 schools (19%) 1085 classrooms: – <800 ppm33% – ppm 25% – ppm35% – >2000 ppm 7% Buildings with ventilation (82%)/ without: 1034ppm/1783 ppm; Airing helps but not decisively Functioning ventilation (HVAC) system clearly the main decisive factor School built before 1950 – somewhat higher concentrations Subjective perception of well being: not successful (methodical issue)

Lessons learned Effective screening method Large interest – possibly due to media coverage Gave an overall picture of the situation Made possible thanks to sponsoring Could be extended, e.g. complemented by an investigation of error sources

Thank you!