Data at Work: Improving Air Quality and Energy Efficiency in Hawaii’s Classrooms

AEIA Elementary School, HI: One of the selected sites for the study intervention.

In Hawai‘i, classrooms are more than spaces for learning, they are daily environments where students’ focus, energy, and well-being take shape. The Hawai‘i Department of Education (HIDOE) recognized that these environments are influenced by something often unseen: the quality of the air and the consistency of comfort.

To better understand and improve these conditions, HIDOE partnered with MKThink to launch a study across 11 schools and 201 classrooms.

Site Selection: Representative HIDOE sites by microclimate, building type, and AC system.

Using smart sensors, the team gathered real-time data on air quality, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulates, and energy use. This was the first time the district could see, with clarity, how classroom environments were performing across such a diverse system.

Installing IAQ sensors: Technicians install sensors to monitor air quality and thermal comfort.

The results were both encouraging and empowering. With targeted adjustments, cleaning, tuning, and recalibrating existing HVAC systems, classrooms immediately became healthier and more efficient. Students experienced fresher air and steadier comfort, while energy consumption dropped significantly. These improvements were achieved not through major renovations, but through small, precise changes guided by data.

Results at a Glance

- 201 classrooms monitored across 11 schools

- 85 classrooms with detailed energy tracking

- 3 selected schools for pilot intervention

- 38% improvement in classroom air quality and comfort

- 21.8% reduction in energy use

- 65.5% compliance in enclosed AC buildings

IAQ & Thermal Conditions: 38% average improvement after low-cost routine maintenance.

For students, this translates to calmer, healthier classrooms that better support concentration and learning. For teachers, it means steadier conditions and fewer daily disruptions. And for HIDOE, it reinforces a commitment to equity and sustainability, ensuring that every community, across every island, benefits from stronger learning environments.

Behind these numbers are everyday moments: students can focus more easily, teachers are supported by environments that help them teach, and facilities teams are equipped with actionable insights instead of guesswork. And the one method we use to take action is based on environmental sensors and spatial intelligence.

This effort is not just about saving energy or extending equipment life; it’s about reimagining classrooms as active parts of the learning ecosystem. By strategically applying data, HIDOE shows that meaningful progress doesn’t always require new construction. Sometimes, the most innovative solutions are already within reach.

At MKThink, we proudly support this vision for healthier, more resilient schools. Because every breath in a classroom should help students and teachers thrive.

How could small changes make a significant impact in your schools? Let’s explore the possibilities.