Edison Next proposes sustainable solutions to create healthier school environments.

Air quality in school environments is a growing concern, especially after scientific evidence has demonstrated its negative impact on children’s health and academic performance. Recent research has revealed that exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to a decrease in learning ability and an increase in respiratory illnesses among students. Faced with this reality, more and more schools are implementing energy solutions to turn their facilities into more efficient, green, and sustainable environments. In response to this issue, the energy services company and subsidiary of the EDISON energy group and the French giant EDF, Edison Next, proposes a series of innovative energy solutions that address both efficiency and sustainability in schools, with Building Management Systems (BMS) standing out. These intelligent systems allow for monitoring and controlling various aspects of a building’s operation, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They optimize energy use, reducing consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions. Additionally, they improve indoor air quality, a crucial aspect for student health and well-being. Indeed, it has been shown that indoor air quality, adequate lighting, and a comfortable temperature are factors that directly influence the learning ability and overall well-being of students and teaching staff. Continuous exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and other pollutant particles not only affects cognitive performance but is also associated with an increase in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and allergies. Implementing these technologies also educates students about the importance of sustainability and responsible resource use, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age. According to the latest report from Ecologists in Action, air pollution in school environments in several Spanish cities is alarming. The measurement campaign conducted during January and February 2023 at 160 educational centers in Barcelona, Madrid, Gijón, Vigo, Murcia, and Granada yielded concerning data. One-third of the schools analyzed exceed 40 µg/m3 of NO2, the current legal annual limit. In Madrid, three out of four school environments exceed this value, while in Barcelona, two out of three centers are above the permitted threshold. In parallel, the report highlights that only one in eight Spanish schools would be below the annual limit proposed by the European Commission, indicating a critical situation requiring immediate action. Numerous organizations across Europe are developing actions to demand a change in cities that allows children to get to school and be there without breathing polluted air. Examples of these initiatives include school streets in London, those in France promoted by platforms like La Rue est à Nous, or the Bike to School movement in Italy. Furthermore, projects like SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE, funded with European funds, are promoting the implementation of innovative technologies that allow for building more energy-efficient school centers. This project has shown that schools have great potential for improvement in terms of energy efficiency, achieving better indoor air quality while maintaining the economic viability of these initiatives. At the same time, the retrofitting of schools is proving that it is possible to reduce energy consumption by up to 75% with a reasonable investment. Adopting measures and solutions like those proposed by Edison Next is crucial to addressing environmental and health challenges in school environments. At a time when air quality and sustainability are global concerns, it is essential that educational institutions lead by example, showing that it is possible to harmonize student well-being with environmental responsibility.