A Priority for Health and Learning
From kindergarten classrooms to university research labs, indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a decisive role in health, safety, and performance. The air we breathe inside schools isn’t just about comfort, it directly affects how students learn, how often they’re able to attend class, and how well faculty can teach and conduct research.
Asthma alone remains the leading cause of absenteeism nationwide, keeping millions of children out of class each year. Missed school days mean lost instructional time and ripple effects for families, staff, and administrators. When IAQ falls short, it becomes a barrier to both student achievement and institutional success.
From Behind-the-Scenes to Center Stage
The pandemic underscored what many facility managers already knew: ventilation and filtration matter. Suddenly, HVAC systems were headline news. Research confirmed that well-ventilated classrooms reduce virus transmission and improve overall safety for students, faculty, and staff. What was once seen as a background building function is now recognized as a cornerstone of educational infrastructure.
For K–12 schools, the stakes are often measured in absenteeism, asthma management, and staff wellbeing. In higher education and research, the impact extends further – lecture halls, residence halls, and research laboratories all depend on clean, well-circulated air to protect both human health and scientific integrity. Parents, faculty, and boards increasingly view IAQ not just as maintenance but as part of a school’s reputation and commitment to quality.
How Poor Air Quality Shows Up in Schools and Universities
The impacts of IAQ are wide-ranging, but they’re consistently tied to outcomes that administrators and boards care deeply about.
- Absenteeism and asthma. Poor IAQ increases asthma attacks and respiratory flare-ups, the leading cause of K–12 absenteeism nationwide. Each missed day affects not only the student but also creates disruptions for teachers and classmates.
- Cognitive performance. Harvard’s Healthy Buildings program has shown that higher ventilation rates lead to measurable improvements in test scores, focus, and decision-making. Students literally think and perform better in well-ventilated spaces.
- Virus transmission. COVID highlighted the risks of poor IAQ, but seasonal flu and other airborne illnesses follow the same pattern. A single outbreak can drive up sick days, impact test schedules, and leave classrooms without teachers.
- Faculty and staff wellbeing. Poor air doesn’t just affect students. Teachers and faculty exposed to high CO₂ levels or airborne pollutants report more headaches, fatigue, and reduced focus, which compounds the challenges of instruction and research.
Why Schools and Universities Struggle with IAQ
Even when administrators understand the importance of IAQ, improving it is rarely straightforward. Schools and universities often face systemic hurdles:
- Aging infrastructure. Many buildings still rely on HVAC systems installed decades ago, long before modern standards for energy efficiency, ventilation, and filtration. These systems are harder to maintain, less effective, and costly to replace.
- Budget trade-offs. Facility managers regularly juggle limited budgets. Air quality improvements can compete with visible investments like new technology, athletics, or building renovations. The benefits of healthier air are significant but less tangible during a campus tour.
- Density challenges. With 25–30 students in a K–12 classroom or hundreds packed into a lecture hall, CO₂ and particulates build up quickly. Older systems weren’t designed for this kind of demand.
- Inconsistent standards. Unlike fire safety or food service, air quality guidance varies widely. Many institutions operate at “minimum code” rather than “best practice,” leaving managers without consistent direction.
(Learn more about how K&W supports facility managers in our MEP Design Support resources.)
What “Good” Air Quality Looks Like Today
The conversation around IAQ has shifted dramatically. Standards that were considered “good enough” a decade ago are now seen as outdated, particularly in light of lessons learned during the pandemic.
- The MERV scale rates filters from 1 to 16. While MERV 8–10 filters were once standard, experts now recommend MERV 13 or higher for K–12 classrooms. Most universities and labs have moved to MERV 14A or HEPA for additional protection. These higher standards capture smaller particles, including allergens and viruses.
- ASHRAE provides benchmarks for outdoor air exchange and airflow per person, ensuring that fresh, clean air reaches all occupied spaces. This isn’t just about moving air—it’s about delivering the right quality and volume.
- Evidence-based outcomes. Studies link improved IAQ with higher test scores, reduced absenteeism, and improved long-term learning outcomes. For universities, clean air also supports research integrity by reducing contamination risk in labs.
Practical Solutions Schools Can Start With
Improving IAQ doesn’t always require major capital projects. There are both short-term steps and longer-term strategies schools can adopt.
- Upgrade filters. Moving from MERV 8 or 10 to MERV 13 or higher is one of the most impactful changes schools can make. In science or nursing labs, HEPA filters provide the strongest protection.
- Enhance ventilation. Increasing outdoor air intake dilutes pollutants. Advanced systems can use demand-controlled ventilation to adjust based on occupancy, balancing efficiency with health.
- Monitor air quality. CO₂ sensors are a reliable proxy for ventilation quality. Humidity and particulate monitors provide real-time insights, giving staff visibility to respond before problems escalate.
- Prioritize maintenance. Routine tasks like filter changes, duct cleaning, and coil inspections may not grab headlines, but they extend equipment life and protect IAQ.
- Supplement with portable units. In older buildings or crowded classrooms, portable HEPA purifiers offer a cost-effective stopgap that can significantly reduce airborne particles.
How Ketchum & Walton Helps Schools Breathe Easier
At Ketchum & Walton, we know that every school and university faces unique IAQ challenges. Our role isn’t to design entire HVAC systems, we supply the equipment and solutions that integrate into existing infrastructure and help institutions meet today’s higher standards.
Explore our Indoor Air Quality in Schools resource page for more.
Filtration Systems
We provide advanced filters, from MERV 13+ for K–12 to HEPA and bag-in/bag-out solutions for research labs. These products meet the latest ASHRAE and CDC recommendations, while many are designed to extend filter life and reduce maintenance costs.
Specialized Lab Support
For higher education and research facilities, we supply containment and filtration systems critical for BSL-2 and BSL-3 labs. These HEPA solutions ensure safe, clean air in environments where research integrity and occupant safety can’t be compromised.
Dust, Fume, and Gas Control
From K–12 woodshops to university research labs and pool facilities, airborne hazards are a constant challenge. We provide dust and fume collectors as well as molecular filters (using carbon or permanganate media) to remove nuisance gases, vapors, and odors.
UV-C Lighting Solutions
UV-C lighting helps eliminate mold and contaminants that accumulate on HVAC coils, restoring systems to optimal performance. Post-pandemic, UV-C has become a trusted way to keep systems clean, reduce infection risks, and support healthier learning environments.
Supplemental Air Cleaners and Ionization
Not every system can handle high-efficiency filters. For these cases, we offer EPA-certified ionization solutions and portable HEPA purifiers that provide additional protection where central upgrades aren’t feasible.
Quick Wins for Administrators
For school leaders looking for practical, immediate steps, here are a few high-impact actions:
- Check your current filter grade. If it’s below MERV 13, upgrade.
- Add portable HEPA units in nurse’s offices, science labs, and overcrowded classrooms.
- Install CO₂ monitors to track ventilation affordably.
- Schedule an IAQ audit before flu and COVID season to ensure readiness.
The Takeaway for Schools and Universities
Indoor air quality is no longer just a facilities topic, it’s a cornerstone of student health, academic achievement, and institutional reputation. Cleaner air means fewer absences, sharper minds, and healthier, more resilient schools and universities.
Ketchum & Walton is here to help make that vision real. By providing advanced filtration, lab-grade solutions, and supplemental technologies, we support facility managers and administrators in creating safer, smarter, and more reliable learning spaces.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk.