Proactieve bescherming: Hoe HKU een nieuwe standaard zet voor binnenluchtkwaliteit in creatieve werkplaatsen

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27/02/2026
2 minutes
Niels Soenen
InsightAir
In the heart of Utrecht, the HKU University of the Arts (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht) serves as a breeding ground for creativity. However, the very processes that bring art to life—woodworking, 3D laser cutting, and resin casting, among others —often release invisible pollutants into the air. While many organizations wait for legislation or complaints to address indoor air quality, HKU has chosen a different path. Under the guidance of Joris Renskers (HKU director of Workshops) and Simon Burer, Head of Workshops at two locations, HKU has transitioned from reactive management to a proactive strategy centered on student and staff well-being.
The challenge: diverse activities, diverse risks
The HKU workshop are located across five different locations, each housing specialized workshops. From traditional woodworking to
hightech Makerspaces: the air quality challenges are never the same. 

In the Makerspace, for instance, the primary concern is the release of fine particulate matter during laser cutting operations. HKU recognized that relying on the air quality by intuition was no longer enough. To truly protect the community, objective data was required to understand the impact of these creative processes on the indoor environment.

The insight: data-driven awareness

InsightAir partnered with HKU to implement a comprehensive monitoring network. Each workshop was equipped with a dedicated monitor, calibrated to monitor general air quality while periodic reports are zooming in on the specific parameters critical to that location’s activity.The strategy was built on three pillars:

1. Continuous monitoring: Real-time visibility into air quality fluctuations.
2. Tailored parameters: Focusing on specific risks, such as fine dust in the Makerspace or VOCs in painting areas.
3. Periodic reporting: Translating raw data into actionable insights for the facility and workshop leads.

From data to action

The goal of the monitoring campaign was never just to collect data; it was to drive improvement. Based on the periodic reports provided by InsightAir, HKU was able to identify specific 'peak moments' where air quality dipped below desired levels.

Instead of generic solutions, HKU implemented targeted interventions. In several locations, industrial-grade air purifiers were installed to mitigate fine dust peaks. Because the sensors remained in place, HKU could immediately see the effect of their investment. The data confirmed a steady, positive evolution in air quality across the monitored sites.

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