Should UK Schools Have Air Conditioning?
The UK barely coped this summer, as record-breaking heatwaves swept up and down the country. Many of our schools simply do not have air conditioning and are set up to fail when such drastic temperatures sweep in.
The physical and mental problems this brings should not be ignored. Working in the classroom becomes increasingly harder as the body fights to maintain its cool. For a child’s learning, this can mean performance levels drop, and their ability to focus is significantly impaired.
Physically, students can become lethargic and have a much higher risk of heat stroke and dehydration. The bottom line – heat-related illness for both students and teachers.
So, it begs the question. Why don’t we have air conditioning in schools?
Air Conditioning in the UK
Historically, we have built our infrastructure to retain heat and account for the fact that our summers are often short-lived and mild. However, recent history is challenging that pattern – and schools are no different. The Birmingham Heatwaves this year were relentless and showed just how ill-equipped the UK infrastructure is when temperatures skyrocket.
Not only this, many of the buildings are outdated from being built in the 1970s. As a result, installation of an Air Conditioning System presents unique and costly challenges in terms of the structural design. The cost is more than that of an office, for example, and maintaining this operating cost is more tricky – more open, large spaces like sports halls, for example, and more zoning areas (classrooms) this adds more costs to installation and pipework.
When combined with our historically mild and short-lived summers, it means the addition of air con in a school is overlooked.
Do schools need aircon?
The law on this does not explicitly state that air con is a requirement, but the Workplace Regulations Act of 1992 does state that indoor working temperatures must be “reasonable” and that there should be “clean air” with “proper ventilation”. There is no set legal minimum or maximum temperature for workplaces and schools in the UK.
There has been a noticeable change in our approach to air con in the country over the summer. Even in our homes, people were starting to invest in this to manage the unexpected, sweltering summer as sales in air conditioning units shot up drastically. The Liberal Democrat party put forward that our government should look to fund the cost of air con for buildings such as schools and hospitals. Currently, 65% of schools have some air conditioning, but a staggering 35% actually have no air conditioning at all!
Benefits of air conditioning in school
Schools with air-con simply cope better and perform better in the summer. There is a plethora of welcome health benefits, as well as cognitive and performance benefits for students in an air-conditioned environment.
- Easier to regulate temperature – less heat exhaustion! Students aren’t fighting off heat induced tiredness and restlessness.
- Less distracted – agitation from the increased temperatures can make classrooms an uncomfortable place to b, so eliminating this with proper temperature control will improve focus.
- Learning time stays intact reduced – heat-related illness fall. Schools don’t have to close.
- Improved air quality as dust, pollen/allergens get filtered out the classroom. This is great for students suffering with allergies.
Tips to manage heat
Away from air conditioning, there are steps in the class to combat the heat too,
- Encourage hydration and water breaks
- Relax the dress code – cotton fibers are best and clothes that are loose.
- Keep the heat out – draw blinds to make sure the sun isn’t heating up the classroom.
- Keep electricity to a minimum where possible. For example, heat generated from computers can add to the heat of the room.
Now that the conversation has shifted to taking Air Conditioning in Schools more seriously, we may be looking to a future where more of our schools are equipped with air conditioning to fight off the heat. However, it will not be an overhaul, especially with schools budget already being heavily constrained across the country,
If you’re thinking of getting an air conditioning system for your school or business, you can head over to Contact Us Page. We’d be more than happy to assist with this whether you’re in the Birmingham area, West Midlands or beyond this.
FAQ
Is air-con common in UK schools?
No, many schools do not even have one air conditioning unit.
Is it expensive to have air-con in a school?
Yes, and a lot of this is due to the old buildings’ infrastructure
Is air-con at school required by law?
No, it is not a legal requirement.
How much would air-con cost for one classroom?
There would be variables depending on what’s required in the installation but generally, for a single-split system for one classroom, you can expect to pay at least £1,500.
How much would air-con be for a school?
For a school, there are intense modifications needed for the structure and equipment so cost can be around £30,000 on the low end for one school block. The cost could be anywhere up to £200.000 for multiple blocks.