Green schools: Constructing and renovating school facilities with the concept of sustainability

Abstract

The focus of this study was to examine the benefits of constructing and renovating school facilities with the concept of sustainability. The overarching questions were: What impact does the environment have on constructing and operating school facilities? What relationship exists between the learning environment and constructing and operating school facilities? The purpose of this study was to determine the value and benefits of implementing energy efficient and sustainable design features in constructing new and renovating existing school facilities. When viewed through the lens of global warming, or the increase of greenhouse gases through the increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere, sustainability provided a framework for this study. The increase of greenhouse gases is the result of utilization of fossil fuels. Schools use fossil fuels in construction of and operation of school facilities. In this study, the decreased usage of fossil fuels in development and operation of school facilities was explored. The interest in sustainable building has intensified as the number of green constructed schools increased between 2001 and 2008. It was determined that constructing and renovating school facilities with the concept of sustainability was beneficial. Lowering facility operational costs and renovating or constructing sustainable facilities improved student and staff attendance.