DLR Group and the Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) at Colorado State University have collaborated on a research project to evaluate the effect of green school design on occupants and long-term building performance. IBE recently published the research report titled, "Linking Performance & Experience – An Analysis of Green Schools."
The findings show schools designed by DLR Group are more energy efficient, provide more space per student, and are constructed for less cost compared to regional averages for schools constructed during the same year. The overwhelming perception of school staff is that the learning environments within DLR Group green schools have a positive impact on health, achievement, and behavior.
“Design does not stop when the school opens," said DLR Group Senior Principal Jim French, AIA, who leads the firm’s K-12 practice. "The design process must include coming back to a project to measure building performance. If both the tangible metrics of energy efficiency and the intangible metrics of student and occupant satisfaction are not being evaluated, then as design professionals we are not truly meeting the needs of our K-12 clients and the communities they serve.”
The IBE researched 12 schools in eight states offering preschool through 8th grade instruction. IBE evaluated P-8 schools because these facilities offer a more controlled and consistent operational environment for study. For the purposes of the study, the schools in the research sample were third party certified or align with criteria for certification as sustainable buildings, and were in operation for at least 12 months.
The key findings include:
- A motivator to improve student health was only mentioned by a handful of respondents. However, when asked specifically about student health, 87% of respondents reported that they perceived a positive impact on student health, with most respondents specifically describing the positive impact of daylighting.
- 85% of respondents reported that their health and productivity were positively affected by the building.
- 71% of respondents perceived that the building has a positive effect on student achievement
- 71% perceived a positive effect on student behavior. For those that who did not share this perspective, many stated that it is very hard for them to identify the effect because of the many other variables which influence student achievement and behavior.
- Green building practices did not necessarily result in higher first costs. Out of the 10 sites in this sample, six were built for below the regional median cost for schools built in the same year, while four were built for costs greater than the regional median.
- The sample mean Energy Star score was 81, which indicates that the buildings are operating in the top 19th percentile. Nine out of the eleven building evaluated for Energy Star have a score over 75 and would receive the Energy Star award.
- Eight schools are operating at or better than the 2030 Challenge 50% reduction target. In addition, by organizing the schools by the year constructed, it is clear that over time the buildings' design has become increasingly more efficient.
Download the DLR Group/CSU high-performance schools study (PDF).
Related Stories
| Nov 20, 2012
PC Construction completes Juniper Hall at Champlain College
Juniper Hall is on track for LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
| Nov 14, 2012
U.S. Green Building Council partners with Pearson
Partnership will help further USGBC’s mission by advancing green building education
| Nov 14, 2012
U.S. Green Building Council announces grant from Google to catalyze transformation of building materials industry and indoor health
Focus is on healthy building materials to promote indoor environmental quality and human health
| Nov 14, 2012
USGBC's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo kicks off in San Francisco
7,000 members of the green building industry convene for opening plenary headlined by "Morning Joe" co-hosts Mika Brzezinksi and Joe Scarborough
| Nov 13, 2012
Have colleges + universities gone too far with "Quality of Life" buildings?
We'd like your input - recent projects, photo/s, renderings, and expert insight - on an important article we're working on for our Jan 2013 issue
| Nov 13, 2012
Turner Construction’s green building Market Barometer reveals new findings on green building and certification
Respondents indicated a widespread commitment to sustainable practices
| Nov 13, 2012
Soladigm announces new glass product, changes company name to View, Inc.
Glass is installed and operating at W San Francisco adjacent to the 2012 Greenbuild show
| Nov 13, 2012
Sto Corp. announces appointment of new CMO
Bottema will be responsible for all corporate marketing, product management and sales activities.
| Nov 13, 2012
2012 LEED for Homes Award recipients announced
USGBC recognizes excellence in the green residential building community at its Greenbuild Conference & Expo in San Francisco
| Nov 12, 2012
PCI Skanska celebrates 40-year anniversary
Since its creation, PCI Skanska has provided EPC services to clients for more than 40 years.