High levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in classrooms are one of the biggest hidden barriers to learning. CO₂ can build up in poorly ventilated spaces throughout the school day, contributing to tiredness in pupils and staff, difficulty to concentrate and impaired alertness. With schools returning this month, conversations about classroom wellbeing and comfort continue to focus on temperature. Following an especially warm summer, overheating in classrooms is a real concern — but cooling systems alone do not resolve the problem. Poor air quality presents a far greater issue, and in particular, keeping CO₂ levels within healthy limits so pupils can stay focused and teachers can teach effectively. 

Research has established a clear link between elevated CO₂ levels and reduced cognitive performance; high concentrations of CO₂ can affect memory, decision-making, and attention span. For schools looking to systematically improve learning outcomes of their students, the role of indoor air quality cannot be ignored, and must be prioritised. 

In response to warmer weather, many schools turn to air conditioning. This helps to manage temperature, but it does not address air quality. Standard cooling systems recirculate indoor air without removing CO₂ or other pollutants. As a result, classrooms may feel cooler, but pupils may still be experiencing the effects of stale air. 

This distinction is crucial: temperature control is about comfort, while ventilation is about performance. Both conditions are required if learning environments are to support pupils effectively. 

Opening windows and other practical solutions can help to improve air quality, but they are not always sufficient. Noise, outdoor pollution, and seasonal weather often limit their effectiveness, with more consistent solutions needed. 

This gap can be addressed through smart ventilation, which offers a controlled and dependable way to maintain healthy indoor air. 

Smart ventilation uses sensors and automated technology to improve airflow in buildings, ensuring a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. By adjusting ventilation based on factors like air quality and temperature, it intuitively improves air circulation while reducing energy waste. In school building development projects, smart ventilation can be integrated into new buildings, or retrofitted into existing structures to enhance energy efficiency and indoor air quality. These technologies help reduce energy consumption and environmental impact , whilst simultaneously creating a healthier, more productive school environment. 

Key features of smart ventilation include real-time monitoring, allowing you to continuously track air quality, temperature, and occupancy, ensuring optimal airflow. Additionally, remote management controls allow facilities teams centralised control of air systems from one place, making it easier to manage air quality across an entire school complex. 

Mechanical ventilation, and particularly smart systems such as mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), offers a clear pathway toward combining energy efficiency with improved air quality. Purpose-designed systems like Airflow's DUPLEXbase PS range exist to provide a steady supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering heat from outgoing air in winter and bypassing the exchanger in summer to maintain comfort. Where required, cooling coils can be integrated, offering a complete solution without reliance on separate systems. 

Modern ventilation technology is also designed with schools in mind, addressing regulatory requirements such as noise limits and compliance with air quality standards. In this context, smart ventilation is not simply an add-on, but a core component of building design and refurbishment. 

The issue of air quality in schools is not new, but it is becoming more urgent. Rising temperatures, increasing attention to wellbeing, and stricter legislative requirements are pushing the topic higher up the agenda. Ventilation should be considered alongside other key priorities such as building safety and energy efficiency. 

The benefits are clear: better concentration, improved behaviour, and healthier learning environments. For decision-makers, investing in smart ventilation and an increased focus on health means investing directly in pupil outcomes. Clean air is not optional; smart ventilation is an essential part of ensuring classrooms are fit for purpose, guaranteeing students and teachers’ health for the future.