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

  • Recent University of Pennsylvania Projects Receive LEED Certifications

    The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Penn., recently announced that three of its recent construction projects have earned LEED certifications, according to university news. The Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology (VLEST) received a LEED Platinum certification, Amy Gutmann Hall a LEED Gold, and the OTT Center for Track and Field a LEED silver.

  • Kimball International Launches New Furniture for K–12 Classrooms

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of four new products designed for a variety of professional environments, including K–12 schools, according to a news release.

  • Inglewood Unified School District Breaks Ground on New High School

    The Inglewood Unified School District in Inglewood, Calif., recently broke ground on a new campus for Inglewood High School, according to a news release. The project has a budget of about $240 million, funding coming through bond proceeds from Measure I.

  • California K–12 District Opens New Athletic Complex, Gym

    The San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) in San Mateo, Calif., recently announced the completion of two new athletics facilities: a new gymnasium at Burlingame High School, and a new athletic training complex at San Mateo High School, according to a news release.

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