A smart and connected “nose” designed to measure air quality in schools

Ventilation of enclosed spaces (classrooms, sanitary facilities and canteens, etc.) has become essential to limit virus transmission risks. This is why Elior Services forged a partnership with the Rubix start-up to develop an innovative object so as to guarantee, among other things, better air quality in schools.

However, this sensor has other advantages. It is not limited to reducing the spread of viruses alone, but also allows:

• Better ventilation of rooms so as to avoid the negative impact of confinement: reducing the risk of developing allergies or asthma and limiting the spread of viruses.
• The identification of bad-odour peaks during the day, in order to adapt and optimize cleaning services (frequency, slots, cleaning products).
• The identification of optimal levels in terms of comfort (temperature, humidity and noise level).
• The detection of incidents and abnormal events (fights, children locked in bathrooms and cigarettes, etc.)

The Rubix sensor was tested for several months in the Vieux Condé school. In school bathrooms, the aim is to collect data related to air quality, odors, noise pollution and temperature as well as to verify the safety of cleaning products. Monitoring which is done in real time allows Elior Services to adapt its service to improve the quality of the children's environment.

The principle is to address the issue of children’s reticence with regard to using bathroom facilities at school; a real public health issue since 81% of children retain their need to use the bathroom in school (source: Study "Sanitary facilities in secondary schools" (2013) - National Observatory for the Safety and Accessibility of Schools). Several factors explain this behavior, namely: poor hygienic conditions, and obsolescence, deficiency and shortage of equipment, as well as the lack of privacy and tranquility.

All of this has negative consequences on their health. Physiologically speaking, 70% of students complain of stomach cramps when they retain their need to go to the bathroom because this develops urological and digestive pathologies. Psychologically, 64% of students claim it prevents them from concentrating in class. Likewise, unsanitary bathrooms are also a source of stress and anxiety. 

This test phase made it possible to concretely demonstrate the sensor’s capabilities. By making it available in schools, Elior Services is providing support to ensure these educational establishments respect government air-quality measures. The objective is to make the sensor available first in schools, then branch out to include hospitals, offices, cinemas, restaurants and shopping centers, etc., which will be able to equip themselves so as to offer healthier and more comfortable environments.

This innovative project is part of Elior group’s transformation and innovation strategy to take care of its customers' environments.