Air quality policy

There are some periods of the year when we experience poor air quality in Shanghai and we know this is an issue of importance for parents. At Wellington, we make every effort to ensure we provide a safe environment for our pupils to learn in and therefore have put the following systems and procedures in place.

Wellington College International Shanghai provides Honeywell brand air purification systems in all classrooms and offices. All fresh air systems are fitted with suitable purification devices and filters. These are electronic air cleaners, rather than the less effective lower-cost filter machines. The sports dome, which opened in 2016 has excellent air filtering and allows more sports activities to continue when the air quality is poor.

We monitor pollution levels on a regular basis during each school day, using the information provided by our in-house system as well as information provided by local authorities.
The AQI index is measured at several sites across Shanghai, and we combine the average reading for the three sites closest to the College, which are Shanghai Normal College Primary Division, Shanghai Normal University and Shanghai US Consulate, to provide the most appropriate reading for the College.

We review the AQI at the beginning of the day, before morning break time, before lunch and before the start of Co-Curricular Activities. The readings are then emailed to all College staff, so that the appropriate measure in the table below can be implemented.

Please also note that we take a reading at 7:30am each Saturday morning and email our relevant staff. If the AQI is over 175 on a Saturday morning parents may be contacted with further instructions regarding their child’s weekend sport fixtures or Academy session. Coloured indicators will be placed at all main entrances to indicate which measures are in force.