Indoor air of Monikko has been monitored more closely than usual – both people and technology used in pilot
The Monikko school centre in Leppävaara monitors indoor air conditions in a more extensive and versatile manner than usual. This means, among other things, that the property has more sensors that measure indoor air conditions.
In addition to fixed sensors, Monikko has mobile sensors that monitor indoor air conditions using IoT technology. IoT refers to a system in which devices connected to the Internet send data to the network, enabling remote monitoring of devices’ measurement data as well as remote supervision.
“A workshop-type reporting procedure has also been piloted in Monikko. In this procedure, an indoor air specialist observes and reports potential shortcomings and deviations. Observations are also made by the Premises Department’s own personnel, whereas the equipment come from the equipment supplier,” says Mikko Melender, Head of Building Services at the Premises Department.
Monikko was opened in 2021, and both a Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking school and day-care centre operate under the same roof. Monikko is a school centre for approximately 1,300 pupils and children in day-care.
Indoor air monitoring does not affect children and personnel’s everyday life, except for the fact that possible shortcomings can be addressed more easily and quickly than before.
“This is done from a technical starting point. We try to serve users by developing technical solutions,” Melender adds.
Digitalisation and automation are utilised more and more in real estate technology
How is the indoor air monitoring in Monikko different from, for example, indoor air monitoring in other schools?
“Basic solutions for the measurement data are usually sufficient in city properties, but with a great number of properties, there is not always enough time for active monitoring and observation. This is one of the starting points for this pilot.”
Melender explains that the monitoring service has been a good experience.
“The significance of the indicators has been highlighted, and our own objectives have become clearer.”
The benefits that Espoo may gain from the experiment are constantly under consideration as a basis for possible further development.
“Real estate technology involves a lot of digitalisation and automation. They have evolved rapidly and are used more and more.”
Indoor air monitoring in Monikko was already taken into account in the design phase of the building.
In the past, many schools in Espoo have been under public scrutiny due to indoor air problems.
“Back then it felt that suddenly there were indoor air problems in schools everywhere. They were fixed, and we are now better at taking risks into account. We are better at anticipating and identifying risks. The Premises Department also has personnel working directly on indoor air matters. In the past, we did not have our own quick indoor air inspection team. Now we have one. And situations that arise are tackled as early as possible before it gets worse,” Melender explains the action taken.