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Comparison of Indoor Environment and Energy Consumption before and after Spread of COVID-19 in Schools in Japanese Cold-Climate Region

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  • Taro Mori

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kitaku-Kita13Nishi8, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Taisei Akamatsu

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kitaku-Kita13Nishi8, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Kouhei Kuwabara

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kitaku-Kita13Nishi8, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

  • Motoya Hayashi

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Kitaku-Kita13Nishi8, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan)

Abstract

A report released by the WHO indicates that aerosols from infected people are one of the major sources of the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as the COVID-19 infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads, it has become necessary to reconsider the design and operation of buildings. Inside school buildings in cold regions, not only is it not easy to increase ventilation during the winter, but it may also be difficult for students to attend classes while wearing masks during the summer because such buildings are not equipped with air-conditioning systems. In short, school buildings in cold climates have more problems than those in warm climates. We report on the results of indoor environmental measurement using our developed CO 2 -concentration meters, a questionnaire survey on students’ feeling of being hot or cold (i.e., ‘thermal sensation’), and a comparison of energy consumption before and after the spread of COVID-19 infection in schools in Sapporo, Japan, a cold-climate area. The results indicate that (1) more than 70% of the students participated in window ventilation by the CO 2 meter, and (2) a relatively good indoor environment was maintained through the efforts of teachers and students. However, we also found that (1) 90% of the students felt hot in summer and (2) 40% felt cold in winter, (3) energy efficiency worsened by 7% due to increased ventilation, and (4) air quality was not as clean as desired during the coldest months of the year. Therefore, investment in insulation and air conditioning systems for school buildings is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Taro Mori & Taisei Akamatsu & Kouhei Kuwabara & Motoya Hayashi, 2022. "Comparison of Indoor Environment and Energy Consumption before and after Spread of COVID-19 in Schools in Japanese Cold-Climate Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1781-:d:760716
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James D. Munday & Katharine Sherratt & Sophie Meakin & Akira Endo & Carl A. B. Pearson & Joel Hellewell & Sam Abbott & Nikos I. Bosse & Katherine E. Atkins & Jacco Wallinga & W. John Edmunds & Albert , 2021. "Implications of the school-household network structure on SARS-CoV-2 transmission under school reopening strategies in England," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Kang, Hyuna & An, Jongbaek & Kim, Hakpyeong & Ji, Changyoon & Hong, Taehoon & Lee, Seunghye, 2021. "Changes in energy consumption according to building use type under COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Moghadam, Talie T. & Ochoa Morales, Carlos E. & Lopez Zambrano, Maria J. & Bruton, Ken & O'Sullivan, Dominic T.J., 2023. "Energy efficient ventilation and indoor air quality in the context of COVID-19 - A systematic review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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