Schools that provide optimal indoor environments see improved student performance and, if designed well, can also boost energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint.
According to a report by the World Green Building Council, providing ample daylighting and energy efficient LED lighting can reduce emissions while improving achievement. For example, the report found that students in the U.S. showed a 36% increase in oral reading fluency when exposed to high-intensity light, while those in standard lighting conditions increased by only 16%.
One in five U.S. schools has poor indoor environmental quality. This includes high temperatures and humidity, air quality with high concentrations of various pollutants, exposure to loud noise sources, and inadequate lighting. These factors negatively affect children’s health, behavior, and academic performance.
In a related study of the Barrington School District near Chicago, Ill., conducted by DLR Group, CO2 levels reached up to 2,500 parts per million in some cases, which is well beyond recommended levels (around 800 ppm) for internal environments. “Buildings in general, and schools in particular, need to be designed and built for the well-being of each of us, while addressing the challenges of resource efficiency and climate change,” concluded Pascal Eveillard, Deputy Vice President for Sustainable Development and Director for Sustainable Habitat at Saint-Gobain.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2018
More than 130 organizations petition OSHA to create heat protection standard for workers
Includes mandatory rest breaks, heat-exposure monitoring, record-keeping injury requirement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 20, 2018
North Carolina law banning use of recent climate science could worsen Hurricane Florence impact
Policies may have undermined ability to make coastal regions more resilient.
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2018
AIA endorses building owner participation in cap-and-trade programs
Would spur more energy conservation in buildings and cut carbon emissions.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2018
ConsensusDocs Coalition publishes new Lean Addendum
Industry-first document to facilitate lean tools without need to sign multi-party IPD agreement.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2018
IAPMO seeks comments on proposals for 2021 plumbing and mechanical codes
Deadline is Jan. 3, 2019.