Two Illinois Public Schools Gain Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Systems

IAQ monitoring systems solutions provider Attune and the Illinois Chapter of ASHRAE recently partnered to provide new equipment to two K–12 public schools in Western Springs, Ill. Forest Hills Elementary School and McClure Junior High received Attune IAQ monitoring systems as part of an ASHRAE sustainability research project that began in February 2024.

The three-year initiative will include sensor installation to collect breathing data in areas like classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums, and cafeterias. It also entails workshops and educational materials for the district community, according to a news release. The monitoring devices will measure levels of airborne pollutants and maximize HVAC efficiency. Teachers, administrators, and even students will all have access to degrees of real-time and real-life data within the Attune online platform.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with D101 and ASHRAE to help educate students on indoor air quality in Chicago,” said Attune Co-Founder and CEO Serene Almomen. “The research from this project will improve the learning environments for students and teachers and the future of Chicago education.”

The research project will conclude in February 2027. ASHRAE will share annual results with the school district and will also compile a case study to be featured at the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference in Las Vegas, the news release reports.

“This project combines the science and research from ASHRAE and the latest technology from Attune. It creates an excellent educational opportunity for the public schools in the district and is a leap forward in continuing education for the future generation,” said Sumayyah Theron, ASHRAE Sustainability Project Chair. “This sustainability project will help showcase indoor air quality in schools and will open up a dialogue on methods to improve it. Indoor air quality is an important component for healthy environments.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Little Grand Market

    Designing for Belonging: Why Student Wellness Starts with Space

    From walkable site planning to flexible interiors, intentional design choices play a critical role in how students experience comfort, connection, and community.

  • Miami University Approves New $242M Multipurpose Arena

    Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, recently announced that its Board of Trustees has approved construction of a new multipurpose arena at Cook Field, according to university news. The $242-million project will serve as a new centralized hub for student life and create space for economic development on campus.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • California K–12 District Finishes Renovations on Multi-Sport Stadium

    The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) in Alameda, Calif., recently announced the completion of a renovation project on the Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School stadium, according to a news release. The district partnered with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bothman Construction on the facility, and funding came from Bond Measure B.