Nerva Energy and Thomas Cole Inc. were pleased to co-host a special Cleaner Air for Schools ventilation, demonstration event with the Renfrew County District School Board at Pine View Public School, Petawawa on Wednesday, November 24th. The Board welcomed representatives from the National Research Council, Ottawa Community Housing and Renfrew Victoria Hospital, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board, local media, among others, to get a first-hand look at school ventilation issues, uncover ductwork deficiencies and learn more about a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) optimization program.

Director of Sales and Marking for Nerva Energy, Juan Malvestitti, says basically what they do is come into the building (whether it be a school, hospital or long-term care facility), look for duct leakage and seal everything up. He adds the water-based polymer solution they use can fill gaps the size of a hair follicle up to 5/8 of an inch.

For a 20,000 square foot facility like Pine View School in Petawawa, Malvestitti says crews would take about two days looking for air duct leakage and performance, about two days doing any manual repair work and up to 12 hours of running the machine.

The Renfrew County District School Board has installed this system of technologies in 17 schools as well as the Board Administrative office thus far and plans to roll out to additional schools.

RCDSB Manager of Facility Services Bill Murray, refers to the partnership as a collaborative way to demonstrate leadership and effective strategies to increase airflow. Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated numbers at schools across Renfrew County with the balance being completed by June.

• Champlain in Pembroke – 37% improvement
• Valour in Petawawa – 31% improvement (a 6-year-old building)
• AJ Charbonneau in Arnprior – 36% improvement
• Highview in Pembroke – 68% improvement
• Central in Renfrew – 18% improvement
• Herman Street in Petawawa – 25% improvement