Keep your windows clean and clear – resist the temptation to cover the windows with notices and artwork. Keep the windows clear to let as much natural light in as possible. If the light coming in is glaring, then look to shade the windows in summer by planting deciduous trees outside. This way when the leaves fall in winter you will still get the warmth and light coming into your room. (Saint Kentigern Preschool, Auckland. Photography Caroline Ducobu) Five things you could do right now to improve your indoor environment quality: 01. First thing in the morning and before you leave at night, throw open all the doors and windows for 5 to 10 minutes to refresh the inside air – even if you have mechanical ventilation. 02. If you have natural ventilation in your centre, make sure you open the windows and doors during the day – even if it’s just a crack on those colder and wetter days. Heat pumps only heat and cool, they don’t provide fresh air. 03. Keep your windows clean and clear – resist the temptation to cover the windows with notices and artwork. Keep the windows clear to let as much natural light in as possible. If the light coming in is glaring, then look to shade the windows in summer by planting deciduous trees outside. This way when the leaves fall in winter you will still get the warmth and light coming into your room. 04. Monitor the noise levels in your room. If it is too noisy (i.e., above 35 dB LAeq with reverberation times not exceeding 0.6s (World Health Organisation Geneva, 1999)), look to see how you can teach the children to be mindful of their noise and look to bring in carpet, acoustic wall and ceiling boards and other soft furnishings. 05. Keep your room dust free – do the shelf and under moveable furniture check! You will be surprised by what you find…especially under that rug… March 2023 { 16 }
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=