Chariho Regional School District, a recognized Green Ribbon School District, has successfully implemented Metalmark's revolutionary Tatama Air Cleaner system at Chariho Middle School, addressing critical indoor air quality challenges while supporting the district's sustainability goals.
The air purification technology, inspired by butterfly wing nanostructures, was demonstrated to district officials and environmental stakeholders during a special event. The system's technology, which won the U.S. EPA's Cleaner Indoor Air During Wildfires Challenge, represents a significant advancement in creating healthier learning environments.
“I was initially worried that the unit would be loud, but it was surprisingly quiet,” says Scott Fortune, a Chariho teacher who participated in the demonstration. “Noise was not an issue at all! The kids haven't been bothered. This feature is particularly important in educational settings where disruptive noise can impede learning.”
In a NEA survey, only 28 percent of teachers feel their school's ventilation system provides them with enough protection. Chariho's adoption of the Tatama system directly addresses these growing concerns. The system's HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of airborne particulates, including viruses, bacteria, mold and wildfire smoke while featuring a groundbreaking self-renewing system that reduces maintenance by up to 10 times.
Jason Sullivan, district director of facilities and buildings, emphasizes the technology's practical benefits: “Old school buildings contribute significantly to air quality issues, and the ability to retrofit with this unit provides an excellent solution for IAQ improvements.”
Sullivan also notes that compared to other sustainable options the district explored, “this unit provides the best solution for both indoor air quality and energy savings.”
A significant consideration for the district has been the financial burden of overall energy costs. According to school administrators, energy efficiency was a key factor in selecting the Tatama system. The technology operates independently from the existing HVAC system while supporting energy conservation efforts.
“Energy costs are a huge burden for the school,” notes Greg Zenion, director of finance for Chariho School District.
Ease of maintenance also played a key role in the decision. The self-renewing filter technology extends filter life to as long as five years, thereby significantly reducing maintenance needs, addressing what administrators described as “a significant pain point” in building operations.
The installation represents a collaborative effort between the school district and Metalmark, with funding support from MassCEC, demonstrating how innovative technology can be deployed to create healthier, more energy efficient learning environments.
