WOOD RIVER JUNCTION, RI – April 11, 2025 – 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 innovative air purification technology, inspired by butterfly wing nanostructures, was demonstrated to district officials and environmental stakeholders during a special event on Friday, March 14, 2025. The system, 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. Noise was not an issue at all! The kids haven’t been bothered.” said Scott Fortune, a Chariho teacher who participated in the demonstration. “This quality is particularly important in educational settings where disruptive noise can impede learning.”
In a NEA survey, 72% 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% of airborne particulates, including viruses, bacteria, mold, and wildfire smoke while featuring a groundbreaking self-renewing system that extends filter life to five years.
Jason Sullivan, District Director of Facilities and Buildings, emphasized 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 noted 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,” noted 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 significantly reduces maintenance needs, addressing what administrators described as “a significant pain point” in building operations.
Sissi Liu, Co-founder and CEO of Metalmark, attended the demonstration and highlighted the technology’s unique features: “The Tatama™ system is the world’s first self-renewing air cleaner that automatically cleans its own filter periodically. This innovation not only improves air quality but also addresses sustainability challenges by reducing maintenance requirements and filter waste.”
The installation represents a collaborative effort between the school district, Metalmark, and MassCEC, demonstrating how innovative technology can be deployed to create healthier, more sustainable learning environments.
For more information about the Tatama™ Air Cleaner system visit https://metalmark.xyz
About Chariho Regional School District:
Chariho Regional School District is a recognized Green Ribbon School District committed to providing quality education while implementing sustainable practices. The district serves students from Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton, Rhode Island.
About Metalmark
Metalmark is addressing growing global air quality problems as well as climate adaptation and mitigation challenges by manufacturing products that make a difference. First inspired by nanostructures present in the wings of the metalmark butterfly, the company creates sustainable products from the nanoscale up. For more information, visit https://metalmark.xyz
Press Contact:
Stacia Kirby, 206-478-5841
stacia@kirbycomm.com
