Preface: In the wake of the COIVD-19 pandemic, air quality in schools was identified as a potential mitigation strategy to assist in stopping the spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. YCOE has taken various measures to improve air quality in schools and is still making strides today to ever-improve our school environments.
YCOE evaluated the different systems at all of our respective locations with different mechanical systems. Based on existing systems, YCOE implemented air purification strategies at each site. This may consist of any one, or multiple of the following:
- Increased outside air when and where possible.
- Installation of MERV-13 filters where possible. This is our ongoing standard moving forward. When new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units are installed, they are specified to use these filters.
- Utilization of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate air (filter) units.
- Utilization of PECO (Photo Electro Chemical Oxidation) units.
YCOE is also engaging in different grants and projects to ever better our school environments through such measures as the CalShape Ventilation program. For more information on the CalShape program, please visit California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program - CalSHAPE | California Energy Commission.
If you have any questions about the particular technology utilized at your location, please email sos-.communications@ycoe.org.