Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Northwestern Athletics Add Filtration Systems

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 09/21/20

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

  • school building with glowing circuit board patterns

    AI Is Coming to Schools — But Most School Buildings Still Run on Institutional Memory

    As school districts race to introduce AI into classrooms, administration, and curriculum planning, another conversation is happening behind the scenes: How prepared are school facilities themselves for the operational demands AI will create?

  • California Middle School Breaks Ground on Major Renovation Project

    The Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) in Hillsborough, Calif., recently began construction on new multipurpose and administration facilities for Crocker Middle School, according to a news release.

  • New Jersey Day School Opens New Science & Entrepreneurship Building

    Saddle River Day School (SRDS) in Saddle River, N.J., recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship, according to a news release. The school partnered with DIG Architecture on the 32,000 square foot facility, completed on a 17-month construction timeline in time for the beginning of the new school year.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.