Northwestern Athletics Add Filtration Systems

As part of a phased ramp-up in its return to full operations, Northwestern University Athletics and Recreation has installed filtration systems in the locker and weight rooms and other high-traffic spaces in its athletic facilities. The institution has acquired several PuraShield Smart 1000 Cabinets from Purafil.

Northwestern has acquired several PuraShield Smart 1000 Cabinets from Purafil.

According to the company, the system removes "99.99 percent" of aerosols carrying viruses and bacteria from the air. The goal: to improve indoor air hygiene. The technology is purported to clean up to 50,000 cubic feet of space in 60 minutes. The cabinet holds 50 pounds of molecular filtration media. The cabinet design allows the unit to be rolled into areas where it's needed.

"Throughout the process of planning for the return of our campus community, the health and safety of Northwestern student-athletes, coaches and staff have guided every decision," said Marcus Attles, associate athletic director for facilities and operations, in a press release. "As part of our mission to create a safe indoor environment, we chose PuraShield filtration systems for their highly effective particle capture rates, the incredible amount of filtration technology within each unit and layers of proven technology. We are utilizing the technology in multiple on-campus spaces, providing high traffic areas with a significant layer of localized filtration so that our Wildcats can breathe a little easier knowing these safeguards are in place."

Purafil is a division of Madison Industries, which specializes in filtration, safety, energy and industrial solutions.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • illustration of a school building under construction

    One District, One Way: Bringing Consistency to K–12 Construction Projects

    From budgeting to closeout, here's how a single playbook can turn chaos into clarity in school construction programs.

  • Pittsburgh High School Upgrades Athletics Facilities’ Technology

    Plum Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently partnered with South-Dakota-based Daktronics through the We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation to upgrade the technology in its athletics facilities, according to a news release. Daktronics designed, built, and installed new LED video displays and finished the project in time for the beginning of the 2025 high-school football season.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.