Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW), an affiliate of the Medical College of Wisconsin, recently won a "Clean Air Award" from the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA). The award was announced at the 2003 NAFA convention.

The Clean Air Award is presented each year to the building owners and managers that take steps to improve the quality of their indoor air by increasing the level of efficiency of their air filtration system. Candidates are nominated by both NAFA members and members of the facility management community for the award, and must submit detailed and specific steps taken towards cleaning the indoor environment through better air filtration. A NAFA Certified Air Filter Specialist inspects these actions.

Awards are judged by the NAFA Clean Air Award Committee and each recipient receives a custom designed trophy and recognition for their efforts.

Children's Hospital is composed of seven inpatient units including neonatal and pediatric intensive care and a cancer and trauma center. CHW is devoted solely to the care of children and is one of 14 pediatric Level I trauma centers in the United States.

In the year 2000, over 220,000 children were treated by CHW. Because of the tremendous numbers of people in and out of the hospital, and working to provide the cleanest indoor environment possible, CHW requires twice a week inspection and/or changing of filters in 30 main air handling units and over 100 fan coil units in patient rooms and throughout the hospital. This rigorous inspection and air filter change schedule has resulted in reduced maintenance on equipment and an increased level of occupant satisfaction with a cleaner indoor air environment.

Publication date: 12/08/2003