Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Ceiling Unit Uses UVC Light to Clean Classroom Air

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 08/12/20

A Florida company with an office in Purdue Research Park has introduced a technology it said would help schools reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Energy Harness has released a device that attaches to ceiling grids and uses UVC light to clean and circulate air. The Active Airflow UV-C Fixture unit has a fan system to draw in the air, where it is cleaned and then cycled back into the classroom.

The company said it hopes to have the technology installed and ready for the school year for Beech Grove City Schools and Franklin Township Community School Corporation, both located in central Indiana, near Indianapolis.

The team created the technology by applying its expertise in LED lighting and their familiarity with school clients. "We wanted to help because we know schools can be great at disinfecting surfaces and areas, but they may not have the same options to clean the air," said Patricio Daneri, managing director of Energy's Midwest division, in a press release.

"We have had success working with the Energy Harness team before and are excited about this new technology product to help keep our community safe," added Tom Gearhart, director of operations for the Beech Grove City Schools.

Daneri suggested that some schools may be able to use special federal and state funding during the pandemic to help cover the costs of the technology.

The research park is a Purdue University-affiliated operation (co-managed by the Purdue Research Foundation) with six locations that house 260 companies, including Energy Harness.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • T&T Construction Management Group Completes Pasco High School Expansion

    Pasco High School in Dade City, Fla., recently announced that it has completed an expansion project in partnership with T&T Construction Management Group, Inc., Harvard Jolly Architecture, and Williams Company.