The topic of indoor air quality in schools is now synonymous with containing the spread of germs and viruses, but air purification solutions can also improve attendance, reduce allergies and help create a more productive environment for teachers and students. It can also be an economical way for schools to realize energy savings.

Indoor air purification solutions, such as needlepoint bipolar ionization (NPBI^®) technology, represent one way for school systems to help keep people safe. Using (GPS) NPBI technology, for instance, within a school’s existing or new HVAC system will improve indoor air quality by reducing airborne particulates, odors and pathogens. The combined effect is air that is cleaner and safer to breathe.

Greer High School in Greenville County, South Carolina, is one such example. The public high school had an outdated HVAC system that was bringing in excessive amounts of outside air, resulting in wasted energy, high humidity and mold growth.

In determining the best path forward for upgrading its HVAC system, the facilities management team at Greer High School utilized ASHRAE’s Indoor Air Quality Procedure, which specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures for new and existing buildings to provide indoor air quality that is acceptable to human occupants and that minimizes adverse health effects. ASHRAE is the leading organization in the advancement of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration, setting industry standards across multiple sectors.

The school incorporated GPS NPBI technology through the GPS-FC-2™ and the GPS-iBAR^® air ionization systems to reduce the amount of outside air needed to condition the building while improving the indoor air quality.

The technology helped the school reduce high humidity levels and addressed mold growth, providing safer and cleaner air for students and staff. Additionally, annual energy savings for the school were greatly increased, providing the least costly ownership solution.