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Across the country, many of North America’s schools are showing their age. In Ontario alone, for example, school boards face a repair backlog exceeding $16 billion, much of it tied to ageing infrastructure and ventilation systems.
At the same time, indoor air quality has become a growing concern. Studies and advocacy groups have found that many classrooms rely on outdated or insufficient ventilation systems, and in some cases, air quality is not routinely monitored at all.
Many of these classrooms were never designed to meet today’s educational or health standards, particularly regarding indoor air quality (IAQ).
As a result, millions of students and teachers spend their days in environments that may quietly impact their health, comfort, and learning.
The Hidden Costs of Poor Air Quality
Poor IAQ is more than an inconvenience; it can be a significant barrier to education. Pollutants, allergens, and insufficient ventilation can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues, particularly in children whose lungs still are developing, contributing to increased absences.
Reinforcing its impact on both health and learning outcomes, improved indoor air quality has been linked to reduced absenteeism, fewer respiratory symptoms, and better academic performance. Educators are equally affected, often experiencing fatigue, reduced productivity, and more frequent sick days.
School buildings also pose unique challenges for IAQ management. They are typically high-occupancy environments, housing up to four times as many people per square foot as office buildings. The variety of spaces, including classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, art rooms, and laboratories, introduces multiple potential sources of indoor air pollutants.
Limited budgets can further strain routine maintenance and cleaning efforts, allowing minor air quality issues to grow into larger, systemic problems over time.
What’s in the Air?
The causes of poor IAQ are often interconnected. Ageing HVAC systems, compromised or insufficient insulation, outdated building materials, and years of deferred maintenance can lead to a range of indoor pollutants.
Mould spores may develop from moisture buildup or leaks, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can off-gas from paints, adhesives, and furnishings, and dust and allergens can accumulate in carpets and ceiling plenum.
Inadequate ventilation can result in excess carbon dioxide, while particulate matter from outdoor sources can infiltrate classrooms. These contaminants often circulate undetected, particularly in older buildings that lack proper air filtration or fresh-air exchange.
The Link Between Air and Learning
Research continues to show that poor IAQ can negatively affect academic performance and attendance rates. Classrooms with adequate ventilation and fewer airborne contaminants are linked to higher test scores, improved focus, and lower absenteeism.
Simply put, cleaner air supports better cognitive performance and helps students reach their full potential.
Practical Steps for Healthier Schools
While comprehensive renovations can be costly, there are practical strategies that can meaningfully improve IAQ and overall comfort. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures systems operate efficiently, while timely repairs to building envelope or plumbing leaks help prevent mould growth.
Upgrading insulation and other building materials to low-emitting, durable options can reduce chemical off-gassing. Acoustic ceiling and wall systems balance sound absorption with ventilation and hygiene, and portable air purifiers can be placed in high-occupancy or poorly ventilated areas to help maintain cleaner air.
As school boards plan renovations or new construction, IAQ should be a foundational design priority. Key strategies include maximising natural ventilation through operable windows and passive airflow where appropriate, specifying low-VOC and non-toxic materials, managing moisture and temperature to prevent mould growth, and integrating acoustic, thermal, and air-quality considerations into a cohesive design plan.
The Role of Building Materials
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Building materials play a critical role in shaping healthier, more productive learning environments. High-performance insulation, for example, not only regulates temperature and improves energy efficiency, but also helps control moisture and reduce the risk of mould growth.
Selecting products with low chemical emissions helps improve indoor air quality, minimising exposure to VOCs and other pollutants that can compromise student and staff health. To ensure these goals are met, prioritize products with third-party certifications such as UL GREENGUARD Gold or Berkeley Analytical testing using the CDPH Standard Method v1.2 to verify products meet low VOC emission standards.
Acoustic ceiling panels are another key component. By reducing ambient noise and absorbing sound, they create a calmer, more focused learning environment. Many modern ceiling systems are designed to be mould and mildew resistant rendering them inhospitable to biological growth, which further helps maintain healthy indoor conditions.
Additionally, low-emitting, durable wall coverings, floorings, and other building materials contribute to a cleaner, safer atmosphere while reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Materials that support proper ventilation and airflow are equally important. Products such as smart vapour barriers and insulated ductwork, working with controlled mechanical ventilation, can help improve air exchange rates, maintain consistent oxygen levels, and remove contaminants from classrooms.
Thoughtful material selection doesn’t just improve indoor air quality—it also enhances overall comfort, supports cognitive performance, and helps schools meet both wellness and sustainability goals.
How WELL and LEED Are Shaping IAQ
Green building certifications like the WELL Building Standard (WELL) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are increasingly guiding school design, helping districts prioritize indoor air quality as a core aspect of sustainability and occupant health.
WELL focuses on creating environments that improve human health and performance, with rigorous standards around air quality, ventilation, moisture management, and low-emission materials.
Schools that follow WELL guidance are encouraged to monitor air quality continuously, track pollutant levels, and ensure building materials are regularly maintained.
LEED certification also emphasizes IAQ as part of broader sustainability objectives. Through standards for energy-efficient ventilation systems, the use of low-VOC and environmentally responsible materials, and careful planning of airflow and thermal comfort, LEED-certified schools are better positioned to protect occupants from pollutants while conserving resources.
Adopting these frameworks helps schools create a holistic approach to health and wellness. They not only improve air quality, but also promote energy efficiency, durability, and long-term cost savings.
For architects, facility managers, and school districts, WELL and LEED serve as actionable roadmaps to make informed material choices, improve building performance, and ensure that classrooms support both learning and well-being.
Manufacturer’s Role in Supporting Healthier Schools
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Even small, informed interventions, such as upgrading insulation, replacing ceiling tiles, and installing ventilation-friendly materials, can have a measurable impact on student health, comfort, and performance. As a building products manufacturer, CertainTeed helps schools advance their IAQ strategies. Innovations such as ceiling systems with strong acoustical performance and air purification technology, and next-generation insulation and adaptive vapour retarders that prevent mould and enhance thermal comfort, are helping schools improve IAQ without compromising budget or design.
Prioritizing IAQ is not just a facilities issue; it’s a public health imperative and an educational investment. With the right materials, design strategies, and partners, schools can create environments where clean air and bright minds thrive together.
Connect with a technical services representative to learn more about solutions that contribute to improved indoor air quality.
Lucas Hamilton is Manager, Applied Building Science, at CertainTeed.