CO2 Levels in Public Schools, and Their Impact on Student Learning and Energy Usage

During the last 35 years there has been much more focus on indoor air quality in buildings. Part of this has been heightened in the 21st century with CO2 levels, and its impact on occupant awareness. One of the findings in many studies is that following the ASHRAE Guideline on CO2 limit, which varies in interpretation, helps to keep the indoor air environment CO2 levels low enough that good cognition can result in general, and where focused learning is the core mission. This paper covers the topic of CO2 levels in schools and the technical adjustments associated with providing sufficient outdoor air so as to compare operating economics BEFORE and AFTER on an equal basis.