Clean Air Schools for Hong Kong

Vision

25 percent of the primary schools in Hong Kong are within 150 meters of the main road. This constantly exposes children to high air pollution levels throughout the course of their daily commute, education and leisure activities. Children exposed to unsafe pollution levels early in their life can suffer a lifetime of sickness. The Clean Air Schools for Hong Kong Project (CASHK) was initiated to monitor and improve the air quality of schools inin Hong Kong for the benefit of our future generation, employing a theory of change approach (data-knowledge-clean air actions) to drive awareness and behavioral shifts among stakeholders.

Goals

Collect real-time indoor and outdoor air quality data in 8 primary schools in districts Tuen Mun and Sham Shui Po;

Share results with the school community through standard reporting and regular meetings;

Trial IAQ mitigation measures in the schools;

Conduct air pollution campaigns to reach a larger audience beyond schools.

Project period

Jan 2022 – Mar 2024

Target Groups and Districts

8 primary schools in Tuen Mun and Sham Shui Po District were selected as these two districts have high concentrations of pollutants as suggested by previous a study by the Hong Kong University and through the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology PRAISE data.

Key Components

Advanced air quality monitoring devices were deployed on campuses to collect real-time data on both outdoor and indoor air quality. This information was displayed through the project’s dedicated app and LED screens installed in the schools. The analyzed data and corresponding mitigation suggestions were disseminated via quarterly reports.

To engage stakeholders, CASHK created a teaching toolkit and conducted workshops for teachers to enhance their knowledge of air pollution. Furthermore, CASHK organized workshops and events for students to raise their awareness of the issue. To engage the broader community, we organized Clean Air Day and guided tours, spreading our impact throughout the community.

To enhance indoor air quality in the schools, CASHK collaborated with three external partners: Dyson, Airguard, and Kins Engineering. These collaborations involved the installation of air purifiers, automated exhaust fans, and fresh air units in classrooms to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies. Additionally, CASHK developed an online tool called the Clean Air Action Framework, enabling schools to create customized Clean Air Action Plans based on their internal capacities.

The CASHK project concluded its Phase 1 with the Clean Air for Schools and Beyond Forum. This event gathered expert speakers from various sectors, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to manage indoor air quality in schools and other indoor environments.

Related materials

Partners

Funder:
Zeshan Foundation

Collaborator:
HKUST Institute for the Environment

Participatory Schools: (In alphabetical order)
A.D.& F.D. of Pok Oi Hospital Mrs. Cheng Yam On Millennium School
Chan’s Creative School
Lui Cheung Kwong Lutheran Primary School
S.K.H. St. Andrew’s Primary School
Society of Boys’ Centres Chak Yan Centre School
St. Francis of Assisi’s English Primary School
The Hong Kong Eng Clansman Association Wu Si Chong Memorial School
Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si Primary School