In 2006, presidents of nearly 50 colleges and universities signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), an agreement to reach climate, or carbon, neutrality on each campus. By August 2008, more than 500 presidents had
How do you get everything you want and need in the design of new facilities when the project budget doesn't match the shopping list? The answer comes from the experts who are in the trenches daily. They've seen technology and space
There was a time when barns and sheds were prevalent on Utah State University's (USU) main campus, and cattle were sheltered and fed in places where classrooms, laboratories, and libraries now stand. Through the years, campus expansion and the changing ne
More than ever, security remains a top priority for campuses, despite budget restrictions. When planning the resources for security, you must think about the four core elements to any security program: personnel, technology, facility design, and crime pre
Specifying carpet in schools continues to be the subject of great debate. Finding a carpet style that meets all of the design, performance, budget, and sustainability objectives for a renovation or new construction project can seem like an overwhelming, i
The repercussions of the current economic downturn are being felt far beyond the real estate and financial markets where the problem originated; the school construction industry is certainly no exception. Budget deficits are standing in the way of schools
Now schools and universities installing new restrooms or redesigning old ones are viewing them with a lot of old-fashioned practicality in mind. Instead of expensive, luxury fixtures, more educational facilities are turning to sensible, long-lasting produ
A compelling issue in education and school planning is how to engage "digital natives" in the learning process, especially when they are being taught by "digital immigrants." Children who are immersed in technology from the moment they
For most colleges and universities, signage is an ever-changing element of the campus landscape. As departments move and facilities are added, directional and informational signs must adapt. Changes to signage often occur piecemeal. New signs are typicall
Anyone who does it knows that keeping a school in running condition is not an easy task. Multiply that by the number of schools in a district, and the job is that much more difficult. Here is a look at some districts' custodial and maintenance standa
It's a dichotomy that will never disappear: universities operate in a culture of openness and decentralization while their IT departments want to keep everything as closed as possible and run a very strong network layer. Today's IT departments b
As the crisis in the financial markets has deepened, upward pressure on construction prices, in general, and commercial kitchen construction, in particular, has weakened. That will come as welcome news to colleges, universities, and culinary schools plann
Administrative and office space can inspire, calm and communicate a variety of qualities. However, it sometimes doesn't get the attention it deserves.
Public and private school districts spend $6B each year on energy to power their facilities, according to The Consortium for Energy Efficiency figures. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems comprise approximately 45 percent of that ene
As we look forward to a new administration in the White House and the possibility of a new look at school reform and No Child Left Behind, one of the inevitable topics of discussion is bureaucracy in our public school system. Bureaucracy developed out of
National economic problems are impacting local school districts as states cut back on aid and taxpayers resist increases. On top of the summer's spike in fuel costs, these problems are forcing school districts to make difficult spending decisions. Bu
In the past, sustainable building design may have been more expensive than following a more traditional construction route. Improvements in both materials and building systems, and a greater commitment to building green facilities, are thankfully changing
Ohio University in Athens is a special place, with beautiful facilities and friendly people. But it also has barriers that prevent easy access to a number of areas and buildings. The University is dedicated to change not only to address the letter
While taking care of their number-one resource, facility administrators must stay on top of advances in processes and procedures in order to best serve their clients. Implementing state-of-the-industry standards is sure to help you advance custodial and m
Procuring things the old way takes time and patience. Fill out forms, wait for approval, send out the purchase order, and then wait again for the item. But what if there were a more efficient way? It turns out there is, and it's very similar to the o
New LCD and plasma display systems promote athletic schedules, social events, students' work, emergency communications, and more.Systems can be set up with screens doing different jobs depending on location. Lobby screens can welcome visitors. Classr