Optimizing Indoor Environmental Quality at Gateway Technical College

Challenge
Leaders at Gateway Technical College in Southeastern Wisconsin needed to create the best possible learning environment to help 20,000 students comfortably return to in-person learning in fall 2021. Administrators wanted to optimize indoor environmental quality (IEQ) at the college’s 18 buildings spread across nine campuses.

While imminent fall classes made quick identification and implementation of a new solution an immediate priority, leaders were committed to finding the right solution: a data-proven, cost-effective way to improve indoor air quality. Their protocols already followed ASHRAE® and CDC guidelines, but they wanted to take additional measures, specifically a solution that would also visibly demonstrate to teachers, students, and staff that extra measures are being taken to optimize the indoor environment.

Improving IEQ to enhance wellness was especially critical for this college since Gateway, which serves Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, plays a vital role in the communities it serves. The college’s 70 programs include those that educate future first responders, including emergency medical technicians, law enforcement professionals and firefighters.

Solution
Gateway leaders turned to Trane® for solutions. Through collaboration with the National Coalition of Certification Centers, Trane had a long-term relationship supporting the college’s curriculum development for certification in energy, manufacturing, and other sectors.

College leaders knew that when it comes to wellness, data best tells the story, so they wanted a scientifically based, research-backed solution that offered third-party validation. They also wanted to find a solution that could be easily implemented and maintained.

Trane offered four solutions and as part of its due diligence process, college leaders researched each of them. This included in-room devices from Synexis®, which Trane recommended as an optimal fit for the college’s needs. Based on their research, college leaders agreed and chose to install Synexis in-room devices which use Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP) to help reduce certain viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors both in the air and on surfaces, even in the hardest-to-reach places.

Around-the-Clock Performance
Synexis devices offer simple, plug-and-play technology that works 24/7/365 without anyone ever having to leave the room. It does not require major system upgrades and is modular so it can meet changing spaces needs.

Leaders liked that Synexis devices were quiet, easy to set up and affordable and that they address both air and surface cleaning. “The Trane solution of implementing Synexis technology, was one of the most flexible and easy to use—some (other) options were 40 inches tall or extremely loud,” Cousino said. The larger of the two units the college chose is less than 22 inches in diameter when assembled. College leaders also liked that Synexis technology is capable of tackling volatile organic compounds and is even effective against bugs.

Pilot Test Paves the Way
Given that they were considering purchase of more than 200 devices, however, Gateway leaders first pilot tested a couple to make sure they would meet their needs. “Since it was such a large purchase, we wanted to physically touch it and try it. We didn’t want to buy something and have instructors or students say it doesn’t work.”

They tested the units in both instructional-only and lab classrooms. For lab testing, they selected barber/cosmetology classes due to the chemicals required. Feedback to the pilot tests proved very positive.

“The feedback on the Synexis Sphere device is that they work fantastic in classrooms because they are nice and quiet which was a huge win for us when we tested it,” Cousino said. “We need a device that works but we also needed a device that doesn’t detract from the learning environment.”

Once the pilot testing proved successful, Gateway was ready to move forward on more than 200 Synexis Spheres and 40 Sentry systems. The Sentry is designed for larger and/or more challenging environments, such as labs and common spaces.

Trane helped Gateway leaders secure financial support for the devices through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) which provides funding to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trane also helped the college streamline the purchase through participation in Omnia Partners®, one of the largest cooperative-purchasing organizations for public sector procurement.

Results
Gateway leaders were able to quickly fund, obtain and install the Synexis devices enabling them to optimize indoor air quality and helping to improve the learning and teaching environment so they could open as scheduled for fall 2021 classes. The Synexis units serve as a constant reminder that the college has prioritized wellness in their indoor spaces. Leaders were pleased that the selected solution offered third-party results’ verification and can meet their long-term needs.

Once the Synexis devices were installed, the response proved so enthusiastic that teachers in classrooms lacking units have now requested them. In response, the college has ordered an additional 50 Synexis Spheres to be delivered and installed in classrooms as soon as possible.