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 | Jun 21, 2019
Green Globes 2019 accepted as a revised American National Standard
Advances include language on resilience, life cycle cost analysis, moisture control analysis, health, and effectiveness.
Codes and Standards | Jun 14, 2019
Reports from Intl. Code Council focus on expanding use of shipping containers as building materials
Three companies show compliance for using containers for housing.
Codes and Standards | Jun 13, 2019
Report explores potential for rope-less and multidirectional elevators in tall buildings
Technology can enable cities to be more interconnected, efficient, and accessible.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2019
USGBC-LA launches Net Zero Accelerator
Goal is to enable building tech market adoption for a net positive future.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2019
BREEAM USA In-Use standard to be released this fall
Will expand to include residential and multifamily for assessment and certification.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2019
Intl. Code Council releases Natural Disaster Preparedness Guide
Provides tips for staying safe during and after a hurricane or severe weather.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2019
Market conditions indicate slower growth in industrial real estate sector
E-commerce, market oversupply, rising interest rates to dampen hot market.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Haskell invests in BLOX, creator of modular-based delivery method
‘Represents important part of Haskell’s future strategy,’ says CEO.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Florida may eliminate certificate of need requirement for new hospitals
Bill could boost specialized facilities.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
RELi 2.0 standard for sustainability, resilience being piloted
Will be open to LEED-registered or -certified projects, with introductory pricing and support.