OVERVIEW
Schools can be a great testing ground for pushing new boundaries.
Typically lacking in intensive energy loads, and operating on a short calendar, they are relatively approachable candidates for net-zero-energy goals.
School officials and parents alike may also be receptive to upgrades associated with less-toxic materials or better indoor air quality for the sake of the young minds that will spend so much time there. For these reasons and more, school projects sometimes provide the best case studies for what’s on the horizon for other building types.
IN-DEPTH
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Rubber Flooring: A Good Use for Old Car Tires?
News Analysis
Rubber flooring is getting greener overall, but tire-derived products are still an iffy proposition.
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Two Manufacturers Offer Greener Rubber Flooring
Product Review
Is rubber flooring sustainable? The jury is still out on most products, but nora and Artigo offer the best on the market.
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Air Pollution Near Kids’ Homes Linked to Lower Grades at School
News Analysis
Academic performance of minority students shows disproportionate effects from air pollution, according to a study in El Paso.
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Kids Breathe Easier When Trees Eat Smog
News Brief
Study shows how urban trees save millions in medical bills, using a new method to model smog concentrations.
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Radon and Schools: A Study in Denial
News Analysis
Most U.S. states get an 'F' when it comes to protecting kids from this common but deadly carcinogen. Maybe it's time for design teams to take the lead.
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Global Coalition for Green Schools Launched at Greenbuild
News Brief
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USGBC Finds Earth's "Greenest Schools" in Hong Kong and Kenya
News Brief
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Building Acoustics: The Basics of Managing Sound and Noise
Primer
Acoustic performance is crucial to occupant well-being. And smart design, not added cost, can make the difference.
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Lack of Fresh Air, Chemicals from Building Materials May Make Schoolchildren Sick
News Brief
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Commercial Composters Put New, Odorless Spin on an Old-Fashioned Practice
Product Review
In-vessel composters can reduce trash bills, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions in schools, hotels, and office buildings.
