A distinguished grammar school in Gloucestershire, founded in 1539, has always prioritised academic excellence and student wellbeing. However, the school’s mid-20th-century infrastructure poses challenges for indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
To create a healthier, more sustainable learning environment, the school partnered with Envelo to gain data-driven insights and implement solutions that align with DfE sustainability initiatives, as well improving the health of their spaces.
Initial insights from Envelo revealed that certain classrooms experienced carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations exceeding recommended levels during peak occupancy.
Studies have shown that elevated CO₂ levels can impair cognitive function and increase absenteeism due to health issues.
For instance, research indicates that every decrease of indoor CO₂ levels by 1,000 ppm is associated with a 1.0% to 2.5% relative decrease in sickness-related absences among students. Source: University College London
Additionally, the UK Department for Education’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy encourages all schools to implement Climate Action Plans by 2025, making energy efficiency and air quality improvements a key priority.
The school sought a proactive, evidence-based approach from Envelo’s easy to understand monitoring and insights to:
Improve air quality by actively monitoring and managing CO₂ levels, ensuring students benefit from a healthier environment that enhances concentration, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.
Reduce illness-related absences through real-time insights that help maintain optimal air quality, lowering the spread of airborne illnesses and minimising the need for costly supply teachers.
Optimise energy use with data-driven heating and ventilation adjustments, balancing efficiency and comfort while cutting down on unnecessary energy consumption and associated costs.
Align with DfE’s Net Zero Strategy by reducing carbon emissions through smarter energy management, helping the school meet sustainability targets while improving operational efficiency.
Envelo syncs seamlessly with sensors and devices, centralising real-time air quality, temperature, and energy data in one platform.
This gives schools a clear understanding of their indoor environment, enabling them to improve student wellbeing, reduce energy waste, and optimise learning conditions.
It’s particularly beneficial for schools with older buildings or non-modern heating systems, providing data-driven insights without the need for costly upgrades.
To meet their goals, Envelo deployed our comprehensive real-time environmental monitoring technology designed to give the school complete visibility over indoor air quality, temperature, humidity, and energy use:
✔ Continuous air quality monitoring – Carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulates, VOC’s, humidity, temperature, and ventilation trends.
✔ Ventilation alerts – Timely prompts for staff to adjust airflow and reduce CO₂ build-up.
✔ Energy efficiency insights – Smart heating and ventilation strategies to cut energy waste.
✔ Data-driven decision making – Envelo’s in-depth analytics helped the school refine ventilation strategies, ensuring healthier air quality while optimising energy use.
By acting on Envelo’s real-time insights, the school has taken a proactive, data-led approach to managing its indoor environment, ensuring that classrooms remain healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the year.
With continuous monitoring of CO₂ levels, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, staff can now make informed, real-time decisions to maintain optimal air quality and thermal comfort for students and teachers.
While specific outcomes are being monitored, existing research suggests that improved indoor air quality can lead to:
Enhanced cognitive performance - Studies have found that better air quality correlates with improved student concentration and academic outcomes. Source: Journalist's Resource
Reduced absenteeism - Improved air quality has been linked to decreased rates of illness-related absences among students and staff. Research suggests every 1,000 ppm reduction in CO₂ levels can cut illness-related absences by 1-2.5%
Optimised energy use – Intelligent adjustments to heating and ventilation are reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Sustainable school improvements – Aligns with DfE’s Climate Action Plans, helping the school reduce its carbon footprint while cutting costs. The school is able to share reports and insights to demonstrate it's commitments to this initiative.
By implementing Envelo’s data-driven environmental monitoring, this leading Grammar School has taken a future-proofed approach to student wellbeing, academic success, and sustainability.
Envelo’s smart technology and platform empowers schools to make informed changes, ensuring a healthier learning environment while delivering financial and environmental benefits.
▶ Find out how Envelo can support your school and book a demo today
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