UNSW DIGITAL GRID FUTURES INSTITUTE - CLEAN AIR SCHOOLS PROGRAM
UNSW RESEARCH
Air quality has become a topic of concern in recent years due to environmental factors including increasing occurrence of massive bushfires . While air quality in NSW schools has been shown to be generally good more guidance is needed on how to ensure clean air in schools during adverse events .
UNSW DIGITAL GRID FUTURES INSTITUTE - WAY FINDERS
UNSW RESEARCH
While global transition to renewable energy sources is critical to our sustainable future , the fact of this is causing many to feel a sense of hopelessness and anxiety , but DGFI sees hope and opportunity in this revolution .
100 INNOVATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
DGFI has created the Clean Air Schools program to enable schools to identify indoor and outdoor pollution levels and teach students practical ways to reduce this air pollution .
This program is currently being piloted in a number of NSW schools where two portable low-cost air quality sensors , including an outdoor solar powered unit , have been installed . These sensors can provide data on particulate matter in the air , temperature and humidity at 5-minute intervals .
Researchers then use this information to map air quality as part of a broader program monitoring our changing environment .
> $ 1.9M in funding for rollout to 100 NSW schools .
> Winner 2022 Innovation Prize Clean Air Society Australia & NZ .
They believe that empowering all generations , from kids to elders , across all sectors of society will be crucial in achieving this transformation and are committed to educating and supporting communities through this .
To achieve community impact DGFI brought together a team of researcher-educators and First Nations artist Neville Williams Boney , to write and perform a unique interactive performance for late primary school students .
This show , titled ‘ Way Finders : The Future is in Your Hands ’, premiered at 2022 Vivid Ideas festival , transporting the young participants to 2050 to provide a sneak peek into future technologies after which they create ‘ postcards from the future ’ on how people can make choices to create a better more sustainable future for all .
> Innovation and Excellence in Air Quality Awards .
> Energy Transformers - educational program which helps to explain how CleanAir Schools data from air quality monitoring connects to local and global energy and environment issues .
> Australia first air quality monitoring program ( indoor + outdoor ).
> 300 students and their teachers educated in novel innovation and concepts .
> Donor opportunities to fund educational roadshow for First Nations and regional communities most affected by the transition away from local fossil fuel industries .
> Creation of an evidence-based framework to guide future negotiations between .
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