Zagreb, September 18th, 2024– Following the results of air quality measurements conducted in Croatian school classrooms, which revealed high concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) - known to affect pathogen levels and reduce cognitive function - at the start of the school year, a pilot project named "Guardians of Fresh Air" is being launched at Kajzerica Elementary School in Zagreb, Croatia.
Velimir Gašparović, Co-Founder and CEO of Calyx, Mario Bošković, Acting School Principal of Kajzerica Elementary School
Photo: BOSQAR INVEST
The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining air quality in enclosed spaces, particularly in educational institutions where children spend many hours each day.
A total of 30 specialized air quality monitoring devices have been donated to Kajzerica Elementary School by BOSQAR INVEST. These devices, installed in classrooms across all eight grade levels, will continuously track carbon dioxide levels and provide real-time alerts on air quality.
"Elevated levels of CO₂ reduce cognitive abilities and pose a health risk. Many countries have already regulated classroom air quality standards, setting the limit at 1,000 parts per million (ppm) and prescribing a minimum fresh air flow of 30 cubic meters per hour per person. During the preliminary measurements we conducted in a school in Zagreb, the concentration of CO₂ was 4500 ppm, which is far above the recommended values and already represents a health problem. Namely, CO₂ is also an indicator of other breathing byproducts, including pathogens of respiratory diseases. This prompted us to install devices for measuring air quality in classrooms, which detect oversaturation with carbon dioxide and warn of the need for ventilation. Or, as our slogan says: Attention, attention, open the window!" Velimir Gašparović of Calyx, which is part of the BOSQAR INVEST group, said.
Gašparović was the one who first devised the idea that inspired this project.
During the presentation of the "Guardians of Fresh Air" initiative, designed and launched by experts from the Croatian company Calyx, it was highlighted that the devices display real-time CO₂ levels on their screens, along with a color-coded status: green for satisfactory, yellow for moderate, and red for poor air quality.
In addition to showing the current air quality in classrooms, the devices will also allow for centralized data collection through a web interface, enabling long-term, systematic monitoring accessible to everyone.
Photo: BOSQAR INVEST
"Many schools face the challenge of maintaining air quality, which affects concentration, memory, and, thus, learning results. With this project and donation, we want to provide schools with tools, resources, and expertise in solving this challenge. We believe every child deserves a healthy environment for growth and development, and this donation is just part of our efforts to use innovative solutions to create a healthier environment for future generations. This pilot project is one of a series of initiatives by which BOSQAR INVEST invests in the community and is part of our ESG strategy", Darko Horvat, President of the Management Board of BOSQAR d.d., said.
"Immediately after presenting the project proposal, I asked for and received full approval from the School Board and then from the Zagreb City Office for Education, which recognized the importance of air quality in classrooms, as it directly affects our students' health, well-being, and performance in school. We are glad that this initiative started with its implementation in our school and that we will be an example to others," Mario Bošković, Acting School Principal of Kajzerica Elementary School, said during the presentation of the project.
Photo: BOSQAR INVEST
To read the full article (in Croatian), published by the Večernji list newspaper, please visit the following link.
