Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency in Universities: A Case Study 

If you work in the Higher Education sector, you’re well aware of the crucial role that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays in maintaining a healthy environment for students, teachers, and other visitors. Whether it’s classrooms, libraries, labs, or other areas, it’s essential to maintain optimal IAQ levels to promote the well-being and productivity of everyone who uses these spaces  

What is Indoor Air Quality? 

When it comes to indoor air quality, a variety of factors can affect the air we breathe, including pollution levels, CO2 presence, humidity, and the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particles. But how does indoor air quality differ from outdoor air quality? This is a valid question, and the answer lies in the fact that once outside air enters a building, it’s subject to a host of other factors. For instance, if a space is enclosed and occupied by a lot of people, the air can become saturated with natural emissions from breathing, potential viruses, and more. 

Indoor Air Quality at the UPC Campuses 

Indoor air quality monitoring has been a topic of discussion for years, but it has gained even more importance since the 2019-Covid outbreak. With many facilities now making it a standard practice, it’s crucial to understand how indoor air quality affects the university sector. In this article, we delve into the issue of indoor air quality at universities, with the example of the Qaire project implemented at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) across their campuses. 

At the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), the challenge to ensure healthy environments for all users led to the launch of the QaireUPC project—an initiative aimed at safeguarding health while enhancing comfort and performance across campus spaces. 

Since November 2020, UPC conducted hundreds of classroom assessments and deployed 850 CO₂ sensors across 9 campuses, all managed through the Spacewell Energy Platform. This system allowed real-time monitoring of air quality, helping identify ventilation needs and track temperature conditions across buildings. 

In the framework of the UPC Energy Emergency Programme, this monitoring network was crucial for tracking indoor temperatures, detecting savings opportunities and also identifying improvement needs when air-conditioning systems did not reach the set temperatures. 

Data Transparency: Sharing Openly with the Community 

By providing open access to air quality data to the university community, UPC empowered both facility managers and students to take informed action. The project not only supported health and safety during peak pandemic periods but also became a foundation for research, turning university buildings into living labs for students and faculty. 

The results were clear: better ventilation, improved indoor air quality, and smarter energy use. The initiative also contributed to UPC’s broader Energy Emergency Programme, enabling more efficient HVAC operation and the rollout of new temperature standards. 

First introduced during university entrance exams, the solution proved so effective that it has now become a permanent part of UPC’s strategy for healthier, smarter buildings. 

Why Monitor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Universities? 

While health is a primary concern, good indoor air quality has several other positive effects, such as reducing absenteeism, promoting well-being, and improving learning outcomes for students. Additionally, it can help limit the transmission of viruses and other harmful airborne particles. 

Air quality can have a significant impact on a student’s ability to concentrate and their overall academic performance. That’s why it’s crucial to measure and monitor indoor air quality using advanced tools like Spacewell solutions. 

By analysing data, you can ensure that air quality levels meet established standards and make improvements if necessary. This can lead to a more productive and healthier learning environment for students and staff alike. 

The Connection Between Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Energy Consumption 

Indoor air quality control is closely intertwined with building maintenance and energy management. These factors must not be considered in isolation but rather as an interrelated system. Maintaining mechanical ventilation in good condition, such as filters, equipment, and cleanliness, and ensuring proper ventilation of spaces can optimize HVAC (Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Heating) systems, resulting in better energy consumption. 

Conversely, poorly maintained equipment and inadequate ventilation can cause a decline in indoor air quality and require more energy to achieve acceptable levels of quality and comfort.  

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