All schools have to maintain a balance between their classrooms and the elements that lie just outside. Unfortunately, too many schools tip the scales in the wrong direction, crowding students, teachers, and faculty alike into rooms packed with anything from asbestos to noise. This doesn’t just have an impact on the student’s ability to learn on any given day; it has an impact on long-term health over years of education.
Today’s sustainable school designs rely on more than just recycled materials to improve everyone’s well-being. Emphasizing natural light, outdoor air, and modular setups, these designs lead to real academic gains over time. Plus, they can reduce stress for teachers who work in indoor environments nearly 2,000 hours every single year. Here, we’ll look at steps you can take, and what you can expect from your investment.
Reduce VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can pop up in multiple materials, including paint, wood products, insulation, and even standard office equipment, like copy machines. Every time you enter a room and feel your nose pucker up, it could be a sign that you’re inhaling a toxic (or at least, irritating) substance. VOCs are not only known to impact your cognitive ability, but excessive exposure can cause damage to your central nervous system and internal organs.
Since all smells are particulate, meaning the materials from the product can float into your body through your nose and mouth, the first step is to start phasing out materials with VOCs and choose more sustainable products. For instance, choose greener products for the gym’s retrofit or construction. Sports equipment from a reputable manufacturer that prioritizes environmentally friendly materials supports student performance, teachers’ health, and the district’s sustainability goals.
Improve Air Quality
Air quality can be a huge issue for schools, especially when some people crave cold air conditioning and others find themselves constantly bundling up. If you want to improve academic performance, you’ll need a well-designed HVAC system that folds in outdoor air for better ventilation. (Plus, you may need to step up your filter replacement schedule.)
A better airflow system will not only remove odors, like those from VOCs, but also improve temperature and humidity control. When students are more comfortable, it’s easy to digest and absorb lessons. Plus, as an added bonus, it can reduce your utility bills.
Focus on Acoustics
Background noise doesn’t just interfere with the student’s ability to hear, but it can distract them from what’s being said at the head of the classroom. Those under the age of 15 are especially vulnerable to distraction as they develop master language schools.
Whether noise comes from the school’s thin walls or nearby construction, a classroom that consistently exceeds the 35 dB maximum endorsed by the Acoustical Society of America will have difficulty promoting the listening and learning that children need. Cutting back on reverberation and noise can mean anything from rearranging classroom furniture to adding more insulation.
Why Make the Effort?
Revamping a school is a disruption, but it can also pay off in more ways than one:
- Reduced carbon footprint: Green buildings use 20-30% less energy and water than conventional buildings.
- Distraction-free: Sustainable designs help students focus on their studies, which can lead to a stronger lifelong work ethic (plus improved staff morale).
- Example setting: Instead of teaching kids that they should be kind to their environment, you’re showing them how better designs can enhance their world and provide a healthier living environment.
There are multiple schools of thought when it comes to providing the best environment for children, but it boils down to making considerate choices for their long-term well-being. By transforming a traditional school building into a green building, you’re prioritizing the student’s academic achievement and health. Plus, you might find that there’s a savings component as the initial investment can easily pay for itself over time via reduced utility bills.
Author bio: Megan Tansom is the Marketing Manager at H2I Group, a nationwide subcontractor specializing in building innovative spaces for education, athletics, research, and healthcare. She leads marketing strategy and communications, aligns marketing and sales efforts, and drives lead generation initiatives. With more than a decade of experience, Tansom specializes in content development, branding, partner marketing, and event management. Known for her collaborative leadership and results-driven approach, she excels in crafting strategies that elevate brand visibility and engage target audiences.
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