An Interview with Domenic Maniccia, Retired Facility Manager, GEDSB, Ed Advisor TCI

What lessons can you share that impact the quality of the learning environment and improve ventilation in schools?

The Pandemic has placed a greater emphasis on improved ventilation in schools. Many schools were not equipped with HVAC systems or had poorly ventilated systems. Facility Managers had to quickly search for ways to improve or supply new HVAC systems.

Can you describe the duct sealing and HVAC optimization efforts you found effective.

Nerva Energy provided a complete turn-key service including auditing schools, repairing deficiencies sealing ducts where applicable and even reconnecting disconnected ductwork in schools that were under-ventilated. While a number of our schools had VFDs, in some cases we added VFDs to take advantage of energy and carbon reductions in the case where we were over-ventilating. We can see the associated savings immediately when we turn down the motor speed on those particular schools.

Can you tell me a little about it in your experience?

When I was at Grand Erie we took a multi-prong approach, we designed and installed new ventilation systems for schools without and we aerosealed existing network of ducts to improve ventilation downstream from the air handler.

What is the breakthrough measure that can make a difference to get schools and broader public sector to reach 40% reduction in carbon by 2030?

Aeroseal duct sealing technology, ducts tend to leak on average from 20-35%. It is an effective and proven solution in meeting GHG reduction.

Has the work been completed and how soon will GEDSB schools reap the rewards?

GEDSB completed 25 buildings with duct sealing, the benefits are instant upon completion: improved ventilation, improved air quality, energy savings, and GHG reductions.

Why haven’t more boards done this type of work?

Maybe they are focusing on other building system priorities, however they should divert some attention and renewal $ to this technology since it will provide a triple-bottom-line benefit. It only makes sense, why would you allow 35% of your condition air not to reach your occupants?

What about the perceived cost and time and attention?

Perhaps but ducts sealing is cost-effective with a 4 – 8 year payback in most cases with little time and attention required from me and my team.

A triple bottom line? Explain this please?

Improved ventilation, reduction in energy cost and reduced GHG emissions.

What are the key barriers?

Awareness, funding (although many Boards are sitting on reserves), a willingness to look beyond tomorrow.

How does a board get started and how long does the process take?

It’s a simple process, with very little time commitment. The Duct sealing technology is offered by a OECM recognized vendor Nerva through the Cleaner Air For Schools program. Once schools are identified and air audits are completed then the selected best candidates can start with the process. The work is completed after hours and doesn’t interfere with school or after hour use of the facility.

What is your approach to carbon-neutral schools?

You need to start with a climate change policy and action plan that is supportive (financially and philosophically) by all levels within the Board. The plan needs to be cumulative to build GHG reduction measures to 2030 and beyond. Look for the low-hanging fruit when contemplating system retrofits or bigger picture with conversions from NG to Electric.

Is this a reasonable ask for School Boards?

Absolutely, take a look at what is happening around us today with the forest fires and other natural disasters. It is time for change!