Internal Environment Monitoring devices

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Benefits of Internal Environment Monitoring (IEM) devices
Where to install IEM devices
Keep IEM devices online
What to do if your device seems inactive
What to do if there is damage to the USB charger
How to view the data from your device
Get help or advice

Benefits of Internal Environment Monitoring (IEM) devices

We know that good indoor air quality, thermal, acoustics and visual comfort all support better educational outcomes. Poor quality air significantly increases the risk of airborne diseases and impacts students’ ability to learn.

The benefit of IEMs is that they gather data on indoor air quality that can be read in real time. Without such devices, indoor environmental factors cannot be accurately measured.

With an IEM device, teachers can track shifts in air quality. If readings are too high, they can take immediate steps to maintain a suitable teaching and learning environment.

Watch our video about IEMs.

Te Haratau - Internal Environment Monitoring devices

How to use Internal Environment Monitoring (IEM) devices at school.

Within the Te Haratau programme, Fitness for purpose is one of three key aspects that will work to achieve quality learning environments as part of a well-managed and sustainable portfolio.

This will help to deliver equitable and excellent outcomes for every child.

As the Government’s goal is to achieve Quality Learning Environments by 2030, we are installing IEM devices across all state schools and kura in Aotearoa to monitor and improve the internal environment of classrooms.

These devices measure carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, sound and light, which all support better educational outcomes.

How to read an IEM device (not read)

At your school or Kura, you will have either AirSuite or Monkeytronics IEM devices installed on the wall of your classroom.

This is what an IEM device looks like with, and without, a screen.

You can see the different measures quality in your space, such as how warm or cold the room is from the temperature or how loud the room is.

IEM devices with a screen show the real-time quality of the classroom and when there is no screen on the device, simply download the AirSuite Monitor App and login to view the results.

Benefits of IEM devices (not read)

There are 2 main benefits of having an IEM device in your classroom switched on:

1) They help teachers create a comfortable indoor environment.

Studies have proven that better quality indoor environments support better educational outcomes, so IEM devices are a useful tool for teachers to ensure classrooms are comfortable, and optimal for student learning.

For example, without appropriate ventilation, a classroom can be stuffy and potentially cause the students headaches and tiredness which affects learning. This can be detected by IEM devices through CO2 measurement.

2) They help inform school property planning

IEM devices collect and report data back to us on how the internal environment is performing over time which can help to inform property planning.

It’s important to ensure that IEM devices are not touched, moved and are clear of any obstructions. If practical, they should be kept on at all times, even during weekends and school holidays.

Please let us know if your devices are missing, damaged or not working, or we will contact you if we see your device has dropped offline.

Using the IEM device to guide actions (not read)

If your IEM device is displaying a reading outside of the recommended range, it’s time to act.

For example, if CO2 measurements exceed the recommended level, consider opening your classroom windows for 5-10 minutes to bring in fresh outdoor air.

Check your IEM device 15 minutes after making a change to see the effect it has made.

There are a range of small daily operational changes, based on real-time measurements, that can make a big difference to the quality of Aotearoa’s internal learning environments.

Where to go for more information (not read)

If you want more information about IEM devices or actions you should take, have a look at Ministry guidance, contact your Property Advisor or Te Haratau team.

Where to install IEM devices

It is vital to install IEM devices in a place where the sensors can get reliable information.

When choosing a place to install the device at school, you should consider the following factors:

proximity to direct sunlight
location of power sources
proximity to windows, heating and cooling systems, televisions and computer screens
location of windows and doors.

Our installation guide and checklist have instructions on how to permanently install IEM devices into your classrooms.

Indoor Environmental Monitoring (IEM) device guidance

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Indoor Environmental Monitoring (IEM) checklist

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Keep IEM devices online

Once installed, it is important that the IEM devices:

are not touched or moved
remain on 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, on mains power or battery
stay connected to the dedicated Wi-Fi network or cellular network
stay clear of any obstructions or coverings.

These devices must stay online so they can collect data that helps schools and us understand the performance of the internal environment of the space. If we notice devices are offline, we will contact the school.

What to do if your device seems inactive

There are a number of reasons why IEM devices can appear inactive.

Power loss

Power loss is the most common cause. If your IEM device is a USB-powered model, check if the USB charger is damaged. If internal components are exposed, contact your property advisor or Te Haratau for advice.

If the charger isn’t damaged, check your RCD panel to see if the plug socket is tripped. If it is not tripped (and only when it is safe to do so) try rebooting the device by unplugging and re-plugging the charger.

If the IEM is a battery-powered model, contact Te Haratau to check battery readings and replacement if needed.

Email: [email protected]

Network outage

If the power goes off in the whole building, your IEM device will typically lose Wi-Fi connectivity immediately.

Some schools switch power off overnight. Devices will reconnect when the power is turned back on in the morning.

The device is relocated or removed

If you move your IEMI device, there may be a change in Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) which impacts its ability to transmit data. For this reason, do not remove your device after installation.

What to do if there is damage to the USB charger

Mechanical damage can be caused by external impacts or actions to USB chargers.

If there is damage, you should isolate or switch off the plug socket as soon as possible, if you know how to. Then, contact your property advisor or Te Haratau for advice immediately.

Information

Do not reuse a damaged USB charger.

Damage is not always obvious. Check regularly for wear and tear.

Contact your property advisor or Te Haratau immediately if the device is installed in a damp or wet area.

What to do if parts are missing

If the USB chargers are missing and it is safe and practical to replace with a new one, contact Te Haratau for new chargers.

If the cable of a Monkeytronics device is missing, you will need an untypical screw head or driver to remove the device from the wall. This is because of its anti-tampering design. Contact Te Haratau for advice.

How to view the data from your device

Your school can see live data collected by IEM devices in real time.

Schools will either have AirSuite or Monkeytronics devices. These show data in different ways:

Monkeytronics devices and some Airsuite devices have a screen for you to view the data.
some AirSuite devices have no screen. To view the data, you will need to download the AirSuite Monitor App.

Scan to download the AirSuite Monitor app

AirSuite Internal Environment Monitoring devices.

Get help or advice

If you need help, contact your property advisor or email us.

Email: [email protected]

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Te Haratau - Internal Environment Monitoring devices