Components and Materials


Creating a First and Lasting Impression with Thoughtful, Sustainable Design

Clemson University’s Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center serves as the new front door to campus, anchoring the Tiger experience through each step in the student journey.

cutaway view of a modern school building, showing various rooms and zones

Layering AI into HVAC Systems Shows Reduction in Carbon Emissions

Heating and cooling systems are just one of the many new ways that AI can be integrated into schools. According to a new study from Schneider Electric's Sustainability Research Institute, AI-powered HVAC systems in schools can lead to significant carbon emissions savings.

Enjoy Tax and Energy Savings with the Right Ceiling Solutions

Thanks to recent innovations pairing mineral fiber ceiling panels with phase change material technology (PCM), architects, designers, facility managers, and other key players in construction and renovation projects are re-thinking the role ceilings play in supporting environmental objectives—especially energy savings.

Greenheck Launches Optics Sensors for Kitchen Hoods

Greenheck recently announced the launch of factory-installed optics sensors as an enhanced option for its kitchen ventilation hoods, according to a news release.

Image courtesy of Armstrong International

The Modern Hot Water System Approach to Keep Higher Education Buildings Safe and Operational

Higher education campuses face unique structural and operational demands. With a range of old and new buildings, a variety of facility types, and ambitious sustainability goals, it's essential that no aspect of infrastructural performance is overlooked. Facility managers must be equipped to provide a safe, reliable and efficient space for students, faculty and guests.

University of Kentucky Integrates New Cleaning Technology

The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., recently installed a new cleaning system designed to improve cooling efficiency on campus, according to a news release. The Facilities Management’s Utilities and Energy Management Unit installed new chiller tubes into two of the chillers at the university’s Central Utility Plant.

Exhale Fans Launches New Generation of Bladeless Ceiling Fan

Exhale Fans recently announced the launch of Gen. 5 of its flagship HVAC delivery product, the world’s only bladeless ceiling fan, according to a news release. The fan provides users with a 10% savings on HVAC energy costs and requires no renovations to current systems to install.

Greenheck Launches New Series of Rooftop Units

Air movement, control, and conditioning solutions provider Greenheck recently launched a new line of rooftop units that merge the conveniences of traditional rooftop ventilators and dedicated outdoor air systems, according to a news release. The Model RT controls temperature and humidity for indoor comfort.

bar graph with the bars made out of abstract cinder blocks and other construction materials

Spaces4Learning 2025 Trends in K–12: Materials & Construction

With 2025 well underway, it’s time to take a look at some broader trends submitted by you, our Spaces4Learning readership. We asked for your thoughts on topics like classroom design, health & safety, materials & construction, and technology in both K–12 and higher-education environments. Below is a roundup of 2025 trends in K–12 materials and construction from the experts in the trenches.

Greenheck Receives Sourcewell Cooperative Contract

Air movement, control, conditioning, and distribution equipment solutions provider Greenheck recently announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, according to a news release. The HVAC Systems contract will allow Greenheck the opportunity to expand opportunities in government procurement and other public agencies in North America.

Fellowes Launches New Textile Collection

Fellowes Contract Interiors recently partnered with Momentum Textiles & Wallcoverings to launch a new line of high-end-design, cost-effective textiles, according to a news release. Part of Momentum Textiles’ Kickstart collection, the new selection offers high-quality and versatile textiles for both smaller budgets and the early design phase of larger projects.

All Surfaces Hires New Commercial Business Development Specification Manager

Flooring solutions provider All Surfaces recently announced that it has hired industry veteran Mechelle Bliss as its new Commercial Business Development Specification Manager, according to a news release. In her new role, she’ll be responsible for expanding the organization’s hold in various commercial markets, as well as strengthening relationships with existing clients.

Greenheck Debuts New Energy Recovery Ventilator

Greenheck recently released a new energy recovery ventilator, the ERVi, designed for small indoor spaces like basements and mechanical rooms, according to a news release. The hardware can fit through a 30-inch door and be mounted on the ceiling for retrofit and decarbonization projects.

Zurn Elkay Announces Updated Line of Filtered Bottle Filling Stations

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently released an updated line of its Elkay Filtered Bottle Filling Stations, according to a news release. The new line features a sleeker design and functional upgrades to help simplify filter maintenance and reduce long-term labor costs.

RenewAire Releases DX Cooling Coil for Two Existing Energy Recovery Ventilators

HVAC and indoor-air-quality solutions provider RenewAire recently launched the new HE+DX Coil, a duct-mounted system for the company’s existing HE07 and HE10 energy recovery ventilators (ERVs).

All Surfaces Announces New Director of Commercial Business Development

Surface solutions provider All Surfaces recently announced that it has hired a new Director of Commercial Business Development in Torie Bonafede. Bonafede will work to build the company’s market presence in various categories and drive strategic initiatives to expand its commercial sales portfolio.

IMETCO Releases IntelliWrap PR Roofing Underlayment

IMETCO recently announced the release of the IntelliWrap PR self-adhering roofing underlayment, which provides a water- and air-tight, vapor-permeable seal for roofing systems. The product was designed for steep slopes (2:12 or more) of standing seam metal, clay tile, slate tile, cedar shingle roofs, and more.

Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

Schools In Focus: Being Transparent About School Safety Design

Today’s guest is Devin Bowman, General Manager of Technical Glass Products (TGP) and AD Systems. We’ll talk about the relationship between school architecture and designing for safety as design aspects like natural light and floor-to-ceiling windows become more common.

Elevating Acoustic Design for Optimal Learning Environments

Poor acoustics within classrooms create challenging environments for children, who possess heightened sensitivity compared to adults or older peers. These conditions, characterized by noise and reverberation, significantly impact their ability to engage in tasks that require listening comprehension, as well as non-auditory functions like short-term memory, reading, and writing.

Sloan Launches Company’s First Line of Bottle Fillers, Water Coolers

Commercial plumbing systems manufacturer Sloan recently announced the launch of Sloan DropSpot, the company’s first line of bottle fillers and water coolers, according to a news release. The fillers come in a stainless steel or black powder-coated finish for placement in commercial or educational environments and also include an easy-access filter for maintenance purposes.

Schools In Focus: Talking Campus Security with Mitch McKinley

Schools In Focus: PCM and Energy Savings in Schools

This episode’s guest is Michael Dunn, Technical Sales Manager for Energy Saving Ceilings & PCM at Armstrong World Industries. He’s here to talk about how Phase Change Material (PCM) can help provide energy savings in schools.

Things are Looking Up for Energy Savings, Noise Reduction, and Better Student Performance

Schools nationwide—especially those in historically cool climates now undergoing elevated heat events—face a challenging cycle when it comes to adapting to climate-change-driven temperature extremes during the school year. Often if heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems even exist, they are nearing end of life and operating less efficiently. Facing limited budgets, schools often opt for repairs over equipment replacement even though repairs can be costly and newer systems are designed for more efficient, sustainable operation offering long-term energy and cost savings.

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Launches Bottle Filling Station with Smart Capabilities

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the launch of Smart Filling Bottle Stations, the latest addition to its ezH20 Bottle Filling Station line of products. In addition to providing fresh and filtered water, the units allow facility managers to track a variety of use statistics across each one.

Essential Springtime HVAC Upgrades for K–12 Schools

Spring is a wonderful time of year. The days are longer, the weather begins to warm up, and everything is in bloom. However, for many people, this also means seasonal allergies will set in. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 25% of adults and about 20% of children will suffer from seasonal allergies.

Helping McMaster University Adapt its Buildings for the Future

McMaster University is using technology to better control and manage its legacy thermal systems and create smarter buildings. Carmichael Engineering Ltd., a Canadian systems integrator, worked closely with ABB Canada’s leading experts and its highly adaptable smart building platform, ABB Cylon®, to improve energy efficiency, enhance user adaptability, and leverage innovative technologies in locations across campus.

IMETCO Launches New Line of Architectural Roof Panels

Metal product manufacturer IMETCO recently launched a new line of architectural metal roof panels, according to a news release. The Batten-Tile panels are designed for vertical walls or slopes of 3 inches or more, and they come in smooth or embossed surfaces in a wide variety of metals.

Spaces4Learning 2024 Predictions for Educational Facilities: Part 3

We asked our readership to send us their predictions for 2024 trends in educational facilities. Across K–12 and higher-education campuses both, we asked for opinions on topics like technology, flexible learning spaces, campus safety & security, disaster response, and more. This article is the third in a three-part series compiling responses from educational professionals and vendors.

Bradley Company Launches Washroom Accessories Collection

Commercial restroom solutions company Bradley Company recently launched a new collection of washroom accessories, according to a news release. The Elvari Washroom Accessories offer an integrated design across the entire collection to “unify and elevate” the aesthetic of professional restrooms, the release reports.

Zurn Elkay Launches Update to Exposed Sensor Flush Valves

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced an update to its line of exposed sensor flush valves. The new Zurn Top Mount Exposed Sensor Flush Valves With Ceramic Gear Technology take advantage of ceramic gear technology instead of solenoids to increase reliability, precision, and efficiency while also providing low-maintenance flushing.

California K–12 District Launches Energy Infrastructure, Sustainability Program

The Burlingame School District in Burlingame, Calif., recently announced the upcoming launch of its Energy Infrastructure and Sustainability Program Phase II, according to a news release. Construction on HVAC modernizations and solar structures will begin early this year and is scheduled for completion before the beginning of the 2024–25 school year.

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