Air filter systems are intended to prevent schools from having to close again after the summer vacation.
In the Würmtal, however, conventional ventilation continues to be used in some places.
It's not just because of the cost.
Würmtal
- Krailling has invested a lot of money to equip the elementary school with air filters.
Most other communities in the Würmtal shy away from installing air purification systems in their schools.
Gauting reckons it will cost more than half a million euros to equip 160 classrooms with air filter systems.
Ventilation through windows is very effective
"We have optimized our existing fresh air systems in gyms and specialist rooms, but have not yet installed any air filters in the classrooms," reports Charlotte Rieboldt, spokeswoman for the Gauting community. The municipality is responsible for material expenses for two elementary schools, one middle school, one grammar school and is also involved in the State Realschule Würmtal association. CO2 detectors are in use and have proven that ventilation through windows is very effective. The municipality can only finance more than half a million euros through a loan. "We observe both the market and the current discussion on the subject of meaning and purpose, but perhaps also problems with the use of air filters," explains Rieboldt.
Neuried is not only struggling with costs.
The community did not participate in the filters of the Planegger Feodor-Lynen-Gymnasium due to its tight budget.
The responsible association at the time procured 36 devices.
“The financing took place with a substantial contribution from the parents,” says Planegg's managing director Stefan Schaudig.
Rector against mobile air filter systems
The costs for the devices are only one reason that the spokeswoman for the Neuried community, Inke Franzen, can say: "It doesn't look as if we are going to implement this directly." Functionality, on the other hand, is pronounced. And a lack of space and background noise caused Neuried's Rector Pia Rieger to speak out clearly against mobile air filter systems in the classrooms of the elementary school. “Fixed air filters with heat recovery will be installed in the new all-day school wing. The noise generated by these devices is far below that of mobile devices, ”explains Franzen. The twelve other classrooms and specialist rooms will probably not have mobile air filter systems. But Franzen points outthat there are CO2 traffic lights and tests and that there is still a lot of ventilation.
Planegg has so far also refrained from installing air purification devices, says Schaudig.
“The two primary schools have built-in ventilation systems, and the rooms are very easy to ventilate.” It is currently being determined whether rooms should still be equipped with such systems.
"However, based on the current situation, we are assuming that no further air cleaning devices will have to be procured in the municipality of Planegg," said Schaudig.
Air filter in every Kraillinger classroom
In Krailling, however, air filters have been in every classroom since the end of 2020. “The safety of our children was very important to the local council; Even when there were no funding programs yet, these devices were procured, ”explains community spokesman Alexander Broschell. The municipality procured 17 devices for the school and four more for the town hall - for almost four-digit amounts each.
The Graefelfing municipal administration also says: “We don't let our children down.” One employee says: “Air purification devices are generally not that stupid, even for allergy sufferers.” This is how every classroom, every childcare facility, town hall and community center in Graefelfing is been equipped with air purification devices. However, the municipality did not have to spend as much money on the purchase at first - it rents the equipment.