Indoor Environmental Quality in Public Schools: Repositioning Health at the Nexus of Design and Operation

In the past two decades, a number of school districtshave constructed new, or renovated existing schoolsto meet energy and environmental targets yet,few studies have examined the actual impact ofgreen building measures on IEQ or on the health oracademic performance of students and staff. Thispaper reports on the first phase of study entitledEnvironmental Quality and Learning in Schools(EQUALS). In the US Midwest, 37 schools constructedwithin the last 15 years, were visited and include amix of conventional, LEED or EnergyStar-certifiedfacilities. Walkthrough assessments, teacher surveys,HVAC system inspections, and comprehensive IEQanalyses in each classroom were undertaken. Thepaper discusses observations recorded and raisesquestions regarding relationships between designintent, operational practices and occupant behaviorsas a means to advance related aspects of dialogsurrounding design and health.

Volume Editors
Billie Faircloth, Howard Frumkin & Sara Jensen Carr

ISBN
978-1-944214-09-8