Many IAQ sensors indicate the levels of CO2 parts per million for a given environment. However, without information regarding what constitutes an ideal level in terms of air quality, this can be effectively meaningless. This has brought the introduction of a simple yet powerful tool to address this challenge: CO2 traffic light sensors, with a green, amber or red light indicating the respective good to bad levels of air quality in real time.

Ron Purcell is a Product Manager with Siemens Buildings and comments – “there are numerous applications in which this will be a real benefit in ensuring that air quality is optimised. Taking education as an example, there have been many studies which highlight how poor air quality can have a detrimental impact on the ability to learn. Research suggests that keeping CO2 levels below 1,000ppm can increase productivity by between 2-18%. However, it is unreasonable to expect a teacher to have an in-depth understanding or the time to constantly monitor CO2 levels, whereas a simple red light provides an immediate alert that the air quality is poor and that it is time to open a window or improve the air circulation through the building’s BMS. This visual cue empowers building occupants to take control of their environment without needing technical expertise. It also fosters awareness and behavioural change, encouraging proactive ventilation habits that improve IAQ without relying solely on automated systems. Hospitals and care homes are just another two examples of where this approach will allow a much quicker intervention to ensure that air quality is maintained and does not adversely affect the health of patients or residents.”

The new visual indicators are just one feature in the redesign of the next generation of Siemens room sensors which include temperature, relative humidity, CO2 and TVOC (total volatile organic compound) sensors. Available in black and white options for all models, the new range offers improved aesthetics, touch screens for easier measurement changes, mobile apps for ease of configuration and higher sensor accuracies.

For further information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure - Buildings, please see
www.siemens.co.uk/buildingtechnologies