A Case for Sustainability

In these tough economic times, everyone is dealing with budget cuts, including schools and colleges. While some institutions are using the economy as an excuse to shy away from sustainable design, others choose to concentrate on the potential savings. These savings can range from reduced utility costs by improving operational efficiencies and performance, costs avoided by mitigating health and safety risks, to money saved due to improved recruitment and retention — not to mention improved productivity, performance and morale.

For many institutions, energy savings is at the top of their to-do list. With the annual energy bill for elementary and secondary schools topping $6 billion, with another $2 billion being spent at the college and university level, the savings can be huge. Most reports state that energy management strategies have been shown to lower energy bills by 30 percent or more. This would add up to a savings of $2.4 billion dollars — or more — to reinvest in education.

To optimize energy use, The National Institute of Building Science Whole Building Design Guide Sustainable Committee suggests a comprehensive, integrated perspective that seeks to do the following.
  • Reduce heating, cooling and lighting loads through climate-responsive design and conservation practices.
  • Employ renewable energy sources such as daylighting, passive solar heating, photovoltaic, geothermal and groundwater cooling.
  • Specify efficient HVAC and lighting systems that consider part-load conditions and utility interface requirements.
  • Optimize building performance by employing energy modeling programs and optimize system control strategies by using occupancy sensors CO2 sensors and other air quality alarms.
  • Monitor project performance through a policy of commissioning, metering, annual reporting and periodic recommissioning.

This issue of School Planning & Management will focus on stories that will help you create a healthy, productive learning environment; improve absenteeism and teacher turnover; protect the environment; and the silver lining — save your school money.

Featured

  • Kraus-Anderson Completes Improvements at Minnesota Middle, High Schools

    Construction management, real estate, and risk management firm Kraus-Anderson recently announced that it has finished two K–12 renovation projects in Minnesota, according to a news release.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

    Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.

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