As temperatures in Bangkok begin to drop, residents are preparing for a seasonal rise in the level of air pollution often experienced in the winter months. Located in the green estate of Nichada Thani, north of metropolitan Bangkok, International School Bangkok (ISB) tends to register better air quality on and around campus throughout the year. However, for when the air quality deteriorates, ISB has taken a number of measures to ensure the safety and health of the community.
Over the past year, ISB has invested over THB 20 million in air purification systems across the school campus. In partnership with expert consultants and following rigorous testing, the move was taken to install positive pressure filtration systems across the school. All Early Childhood and Elementary School classrooms have now been fitted with air filtration systems and installation into the Middle School and High Schools classrooms will be completed by January 2020. These systems provide filtered fresh air into classrooms and prevents polluted air from entering rooms when doors are opened.
ISB monitors systems on campus that measure PM2.5, PM10, CO2, temperature and humidity. An online dashboard provides real-time data for each classroom. Since installation, levels have consistently measured on average below 5 PM2.5, even on days with higher pollution.
Importantly, our large spaces such as gymnasiums, libraries and our health clinic have also been installed with this technology and receive regularly maintenance and filter upgrades.
In addition to our monitoring indoors, we continue to closely track outdoor conditions with an advanced Thermal Fisher ADR 1500 air quality monitor that feeds air quality (PM2.5) readings and other data to our web-site that students and parents can check. ISB continues to adhere to and develop our Air Quality Guidelines in restricting outside activities when necessary.
Through engaging global expertise and the latest technology ISB commits to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, parents, staff and community.
We have worked with Environment Assured, Charlie Thompson, who has stated that, “Beyond reducing PM2.5 to near undetectable levels, we are controlling carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity to create healthy classrooms that are better for learning and teaching every day of the year. The monitoring results show that ISB is a world-leading example, not just a regional innovator, in creating safe and healthy indoor learning environments. ISB’s clear vision, commitment to strict standards and data-based decisions have been instrumental in this achievement.”