A survey sponsored by United Technologies Corp. and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools found that one in three Americans believe the majority of U.S. schools are in “poor” shape. Only 6 percent said U.S. schools are in “excellent” shape. But that’s just their opinion, right? Well, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that at least 25,000 U.S. schools are in need of extensive repair and replacement, so it would seem the perception meets the reality in this case.

I wrote back in March of this year that cost is the most pressing reason for districts neglecting repairs on facilities and that firms are getting creative in how to raise the necessary funds to implement repairs or build new schools. The USGBC’s Center for Green Schools was created to drive change in how we design, construct and operate our schools so they will generate savings through improved energy efficiency since green schools have been proven to use less energy and water, which reduces operating costs.

The U.S. Department of Energy understands how much energy is costing educational institutions and recently announced the release of the second installment of a four-part series aimed at helping architects, engineers and contractors design and build highly efficient K-12 school buildings. The Advanced Energy Design Guide, which is available for download now at www.ashrae.org/publications/page/aedg50pct, was produced in conjunction with ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and USGBC. This guide provides climate-specific recommendations to incorporate today’s off-the-shelf energy-efficient products. These recommendations also help designers and builders choose advanced building envelope assemblies and highly efficient heating and cooling systems, and incorporate other energy-saving measures such as daylighting and associated control systems. Additionally, the guide informs on the development of future commercial building energy codes.

Higher education facilities haven’t been immune from the need to cut costs, either. Declines in funding from the federal government on down have put a serious crimp in the funds flowing into public institutions. Many private schools, like my own alma mater, have seen tuition rates steadily increase while enrollment drops. But, like their K-12 brethren, institutions of higher learning are looking at energy-efficient and green technologies to help reduce operating costs. As you will find on the following pages, these technologies are being incorporated from the outset in new construction as well as helping to breathe new life into older facilities.

So, whether or not you believe schools are in as poor shape as your neighbor, rest assured that at least many schools are turning to sustainable design and construction for help — not only for the sake of those in the business of creating sustainable structures, but also for the sake of future generations.

Cheers,

Derrick Teal

Editor

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