Siemens and the Northwest Catholic District School Board decided to implement Dynamic VAV Optimization (DVO) in the three buildings utilizing Siemens’ building automation platforms. This effort, along with improved filtration and other layered mitigation measures, has helped safely reopen for the 2021-2022 academic year.

DVO is an AI-powered solution that intelligently optimizes indoor environments by controlling air handling units' (AHU) static pressure, supply temperature, and humidity. Since the pandemic began, DVO has helped reopen buildings with confidence by meeting the latest ASHRAE® Epidemic Task Force standards, including a range of strategies to promote a safer, healthier indoor learning environment:

• Control indoor temperature and humidity levels in accordance with ASHRAE guidance to reduce the risk of person-to-person spread among building occupants. 
• Increase outdoor air, diluting the effect of any sick student or staff member who may be actively shedding virus.

In Northwestern Ontario, the Northwest Catholic District School Board educates hundreds of students from its five elementary schools. As part of its multi-year strategic plan, the School Board provides and supports staff with strategies and tools to maximize the academic achievements for the entire student body − including the well-being of the whole child. That means that the district not only has a strong focus on Catholic education, Indigenous learning, and French immersion, but they’re also focused on creating a safe and healthy learning environment to benefit all.