Seven key factors
What are the seven key factors and why are they important ?
Carbon dioxide - Carbon dioxide levels above 1,000 ppm increase sleepiness , hamper the ability to concentrate , increase heart rate and feelings of nausea . The severity of symptoms increases as levels increase and varies from person to person .
Pollution - Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds ( VOCs ) can cause headaches , dizziness , tiredness , nasal congestion , coughing , wheezing and sore throat . It can also trigger allergies , asthma , skin irritation and eczema . Long-term exposure makes it more difficult to concentrate , learn new things and remember .
Fine dust ( PM2.5 ) - Micro-particulates can travel into children ’ s lungs and exacerbate asthma , impact levels of attendance and have been associated with cognitive impairment .
Light - Children don ’ t learn as well when light levels are low , and behaviour suffers too . If light levels are uneven across a classroom there are equity issues too . High levels of natural light are ideal , and any electrical lighting should have suitable Kelvin values .
Temperature – Temperature levels are proven to influence the performance of children in the classroom . There is an optimal temperature range for learning , outside that range performance suffers immediately .
Humidity - Humidity has an effect that is closely linked to temperature , and raises similar concerns , it also contributes to other health risks such as the growth of toxic mould spores . Dehydration reduces cognitive performance .
Noise - Noisy rooms obstruct children ’ s ability to concentrate and perform , wherever they are . The type of sound matters too , and if background music is present , then it should be below 80 beats per minute .
Taken individually , optimising each of these factors will only have a small impact on learning . But when addressed collectively , we see an aggregation of marginal gains , a measurable impact on learning and improvement in student outcomes .
Table 1 . shows the guideline levels for each factor based on Professor Heppell ’ s research and suggests simple remedies to optimise levels in classrooms .
Case studies
Worldwide , there are 100 case study schools and universities involved in Professor Heppell ’ s research . Some of the biggest impacts have been seen when the children become actively involved . They monitor and record their own classroom conditions and experiment with ways to influence their environment to make the conditions more favourable . It is a live science investigation taking place in their own classroom , the children are highly engaged and come up with innovative solutions . Several classrooms have installed plant walls , with each plant owned by an individual pupil , to improve the environment and increase classroom oxygen levels .
Table 1 . The seven key factors that influence learning , guideline levels and simple remedies .
FACTOR GUIDELINE LEVELS REMEDIES
Carbon Dioxide ( CO2 )
Pollution ( VOCs )
Fine dust ( PM2.5 )
Light ( Lux )
Temperature ( oC / oF )
Humidity (%)
Noise ( Decibels )
Optimal below 1000ppm and should be no higher than 2,200ppm
As low as possible
As low as possible
Above 500 lux . Target of + 750 lux
Optimal between 18-21oC or 64-70oF
Tracks with temperature
Optimal under 70dBA . Above 72dBA starts to be distracting
Open doors . Open windows to promote air circulation . Add plants or a living green wall to every classroom . Introduce a bring your own plant scheme .
Air filtration equipment could help . Plan routes to and from schools avoiding most polluted routes . Use lower VOC paints , varnishes , personal hygiene , cleaning and craft products .
Air filtration equipment could help . Move car drop off and pick-up bays away from buildings . Increase fresh air circulation if outdoor PM2.5 levels are lower .
Remove paper and all obstructions from window and door glass . Paint walls with high refraction index paint . Use bright white LED bulbs .
Cut the heating . Open the windows . Promote fresh air circulation . Generally , too hot is more detrimental to learning than too cold .
No rugs - they store damp . No outdoor shoes - they track damp in . A tray of charcoal briquettes or silica-based cat litter will reduce humidity .
Install sound absorbing panels . Hang rockwool-filled , white umbrellas from the ceiling . Give students the ability to monitor and own the problem . Add soft pads to table and chair legs .
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Term 2 Jan - Mar 2021 Class Time