The formation of this indoor air quality alliance with Talkpool, Redytel and Netmore was made after positive results from initial pilot projects. The parties came together in this alliance with the mission to support a safe reopening of society by providing solutions aimed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The air quality plays a key role in maintaining indoor conditions safe and comfortable for the occupants. Measuring the CO₂ concentration of a space can indicate occupancy, air quality, and how well a space is ventilated. When monitoring indoor air quality, using sensors enables fast detection and communication of changes in the air quality. The main Covid-19 transmission risk is to inhale the virus from an infected person’s exhaled breath. By measuring CO₂ we can see a strong correlation to potential virus contact in the air and take preventive actions.

Air quality monitoring in public places

Ponferrada, León and Boadilla are examples of Spanish cities that use the wireless ExploraCO2 to monitor and control the CO₂ levels in public places such as schools, libraries, museums and medical centers. The sensors wirelessly transmit the data to gateways, they in turn release it further to the cloud. From the cloud the data can be retrieve and visualized using a dashboard or an app. In this case, real-time air quality measurements are made available to the public via QR codes, apps and web.

In Madrid this solution was used to ensure COVID safe elections for 45.000 voters in the Madrid regional elections of 2021. At CO₂ levels over 800 ppm, an alarm was set to be triggered so that the ventilation could be adjusted accordingly. Actions could be taken to prevent a higher risk of spreading COVID-19. By scanning QR codes with a phone, voters gained easy access to the measurement data and could be ensured that the environment was safe.

Results so far:

• Air quality levels are made known to both the public and the authorities.
• Poorly ventilated areas have been detected and addressed.
• Reduced risk of Covid-19 transmission.
• Citizens experience less stress and anxiety
• Based on positive results the scope has been extended to private public places such as restaurants, cafes, gyms, etc.

View video here

In public transportation

Next mission was to secure indoor air quality in public transportation. Ponferrada is the first city to monitor CO₂ levels on all its public buses. Real-time air quality measurements were, also here, made available to the public via QR codes, apps and web. By viewing the measurement data, the public can make sure the air quality inside the buses are safe prior to entering.

Results so far:

• Transport managers are aware of the air quality levels and the use of ventilation system can be improved.
• Bus drivers are always aware of the CO₂ levels and can, when necessary, keep doors open longer at bus stops to let fresh outdoor air inside.
• Task force has been initiated to optimize ventilation, bus routes and schedules.
• Based on real-time CO₂ levels, passengers can plan their travels and feel safe.
• Reduced risk of Covid 19 transmission.

View videos and learn more about the project with Redytel in Spain here