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Help for optimizing the indoor climate
This is the typical indoor CO₂ concentration
Imagine a classroom on a Monday morning. 25 children have arrived, the door is closed, and the windows haven't been opened since last week. Before the clock strikes 10, the air has become heavy and concentration drops. It's not just our imagination that's playing tricks on us - it's a measurable reality. CO₂ concentrations have increased, and this affects well-being, health, and learning.
Indoor CO₂ concentration is one of the most important indicators of air quality in our schools, institutions and workplaces. It reveals whether the air is fresh or whether we are – literally – sitting there breathing in each other’s breath. In this article, we delve into what a typical indoor CO₂ concentration is, why it matters and what you can do to improve the indoor climate in your building.
What is typical indoor CO₂ concentration?
CO₂ – or carbon dioxide – is naturally found in the atmosphere. Outdoors, the concentration is typically around 400 ppm (parts per million), which is the level we consider "fresh air" ( AMExpert ).
But indoors, the picture changes quickly. When people are in a closed space, we exhale CO₂ – around 900 grams per person per day. Without adequate ventilation, the concentration rises quickly. According to the Danish Working Environment Authority and Realdania , the CO₂ concentration should not exceed 1,000 ppm in educational environments and offices during normal operation.
Indoor climate assessment based on CO₂ level
| Level (ppm) | Assessment of indoor climate |
|---|---|
| < 1,000 | Well |
| 1,000–2,000 | Bad |
| > 2,000 | Very bad |
This means that even though we may not notice it right away, the air around us is often far from optimal. In fact, a study by Realdania and DTU showed that in 91% of the classrooms surveyed, the limit of 1,000 ppm was exceeded during the school day. This is thought-provoking – and should prompt action.
Why is CO₂ concentration important?
CO₂ itself is not dangerous in the concentrations we normally experience indoors. But it serves as an excellent indicator of how good – or bad – the air quality is in a room. When CO₂ rises, it is usually because the air is not being exchanged and we are breathing in each other’s exhaled air. This also means that other pollutants such as moisture, bacteria, viruses and particles can accumulate ( AM Expert ).
Consequences for health and well-being
A poor indoor climate can lead to a number of symptoms and discomforts – especially in environments where many people spend a lot of time. The most common symptoms of high CO₂ levels include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unobviousness
In schools and daycare centers, this can mean that children learn less well and become more restless. In offices, it can lead to lower productivity and more sick days. Therefore, it is not just a question of comfort – it is about health, well-being and efficiency.
How do high CO₂ levels occur?
The primary source of CO₂ indoors is us humans. When we breathe, we exhale CO₂, and in rooms with many people, the concentration can quickly increase. But it’s not just the number of people that matters – it’s also about the building’s ability to exchange the air.
Ventilation is crucial
Building regulations require ventilation systems, especially in schools and daycare centers, where air quality is of great importance to children's development and well-being. Yet experience shows that even newly renovated schools often have problems keeping CO₂ levels below 1,000 ppm ( Realdania ).
This is due, among other things, to:
- Insufficient or defective ventilation
- Too many people for the size of the room
- Closed doors and windows
- Limited awareness of air quality
How can we improve the CO₂ concentration indoors?
The good news is that there are solutions – and they don’t have to be complicated. The first step is to become aware of the problem. Then it’s about taking action.
1. Monitoring and visualization
A CO₂ meter is an invaluable tool in the work of improving the indoor climate. It gives you concrete insight into how the air quality develops during the day – and when it is time to air out. At ÅBN, we work with solutions that not only measure, but also visualize the indoor climate in an intuitive way. With our Skyen , both children and adults get a clear picture of the air quality – in real time – and this creates behavioral changes.
2. Ventilation and open doors
Something as simple as opening a window or leaving the door open can have a big impact. According to Bolius , it improves air circulation and can significantly reduce CO₂ levels. However, it requires remembering to do so – and here a visual reminder like The Cloud can make a difference in everyday life.
3. Technological solutions and behavioral change
Ventilation systems are an effective way to ensure constant air exchange, but the technology must be supported by human behavior. At ÅBN, we work with behavior change as an integral part of our approach. It's about making it easy and natural to act on the indoor climate – for children, educators, teachers and office workers alike.
