Ventilation in Laval Schools: Alarming Study Raises Concerns Among Parents

Worrisome air quality in several school institutions

For several years now, the issue of ventilation in schools has been at the forefront of concerns for parents, teachers, and public health professionals. A recent study conducted in Laval highlights alarming findings: many school buildings suffer from major ventilation deficiencies, directly impacting the air quality that children breathe. At AirGreen, specialists in HVAC in Laval and the Greater Montréal area, we believe it's essential to take concrete action in response to this issue.

Striking findings from a field study

The study, commissioned by a group of concerned parents and validated by independent indoor air quality experts, revealed that nearly 60% of the schools surveyed in Laval had CO₂ levels exceeding recommended standards during class hours. These numbers point to insufficient ventilation, leading to the buildup of indoor pollutants and poor air renewal.

Even more concerning, some institutions have no mechanical ventilation system in place, relying solely on open windows—a solution that is both ineffective and impractical during the winter months.

Impact on health and learning

Stale air has direct consequences on concentration, productivity, and overall health. Children exposed daily to low oxygen levels and high concentrations of pollutants may experience headaches, chronic fatigue, respiratory irritation, and even worsened learning disorders or conditions like asthma.

Over time, this school ventilation issue in Laval can hinder cognitive development, increase school absenteeism, and create an environment that is not conducive to growth.

Why modern HVAC systems are essential

Given the situation, it is imperative to equip schools with complete, reliable, and certified HVAC systems that can ensure constant air renewal, filter fine particles, and maintain a stable indoor temperature.

At AirGreen, our solutions include:

• Mechanical ventilation systems (HRV) with heat recovery, ideal for school environments.

• Centralized HEPA filtration systems capable of capturing allergens, viruses, and other harmful particles.

• Connected indoor air quality sensors, allowing real-time monitoring of indoor conditions.

Our expertise in institutional HVAC installations

We recently completed a full mechanical ventilation installation in a high school in Laval’s Vimont neighborhood. The building was suffering from chronic air circulation issues, with multiple classrooms regularly exceeding 2000 ppm of CO₂ by mid-afternoon.

Steps of our intervention:

1. Comprehensive analysis of the existing setup: inspection of current infrastructure, CO₂ readings, architectural assessments.

2. Custom design of an adapted HVAC system, featuring a central Lennox unit and spiral ductwork designed for low pressure loss.

3. Nighttime and school break installation, to minimize disruption to daily activities.

4. Commissioning and training of maintenance staff, with access to a digital real-time monitoring platform.

Result: classrooms now stabilized below 800 ppm, consistently comfortable temperatures, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from school administrators and teaching staff.

Available grants for schools

There are several financial assistance programs for modernizing HVAC systems in school buildings. These include:

• The Quebec Government’s Support Program for Ventilation Improvements (PSAV).

• LogisVert subsidies when the institution also serves a residential or community purpose.

• Municipal funding in certain Laval boroughs.

At AirGreen, we assist schools in assembling grant applications, conducting required energy assessments, and providing the technical documentation necessary for approval.

What every school should implement

To proactively address air quality concerns, we recommend the following for all schools in Laval:

• An annual HVAC audit by certified specialists.

• Installation of connected CO₂ sensors in each classroom.

• Preventive maintenance of all ventilation systems, including filter cleaning, exchanger checks, and thermostat calibration.

• Training for school staff on the importance of air quality and simple actions that improve indoor comfort.

Testimonial from a school principal in Laval

“We knew something wasn’t right, but the data really opened our eyes. Thanks to AirGreen’s intervention, we’ve significantly improved both the working and learning environments in our school. Students are more focused, and teachers feel less tired by the end of the day.”
— Ms. Beaulieu, Principal of a Primary School in Laval-des-Rapides

Why choose AirGreen for school ventilation

Our expertise extends well beyond residential projects: we are recognized for our ability to operate efficiently in complex institutional environments where air quality is a top priority.

What sets us apart:

• A team of HVAC engineers specialized in public buildings.

• Tailor-made solutions compliant with BNQ and ASHRAE standards.

• Fast response times without compromising quality.

• A transparent, educational, and collaborative approach with school administrators.

In conclusion

Opening windows is no longer enough. School ventilation in Laval requires structured, swift, and coordinated actions. At AirGreen, we are ready to play a central role in ensuring that every student has access to a healthy environment conducive to learning and development. Because better ventilation means better education.