Aeres Green high school at entrance of Floriade Expo 2022

Published in: Architecture

Sustainability in School Construction

Author The Next Idea Group

Published on: November 4, 2024

Introduction

As concerns about climate change and ecological conservation grow, the need for sustainable construction has become more critical than ever. Schools and colleges, as institutions of learning, have a significant role in modeling sustainable practices that can inspire students and communities.

At a macro scale; The global construction market grew from $14,393.63 billion in 2022, having increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% since 2017. The market is expected to grow from $14,393.63 billion in 2022 to $18,819.04 billion in 2027 at a rate of 5.5%. However, the global green construction market size was only USD 541.0 million in 2023, that’s less than 4% of overall construction. In other words, despite the obvious impact of Global Warming, the Sustainable construction industry is in its infancy, in respect to adopting a green approach to construction.

Understanding Sustainable Construction

Sustainable construction involves using eco-friendly materials, efficient energy solutions, and innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact. It also must include a clear and deliberate Bio diversity policy to ensure the least possible impact on wildlife. These practices are essential in reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources and preserving our ecosystem. As the Sustainable Buildings Market Study 2023 [Ramboll] indicates, sustainability is increasingly recognized as vital for business success, reflecting a global trend towards more sustainable practices in multiple sectors. In schools, this means fostering environments where environmental practices are integrated into everyday learning, making them not just theoretical concepts but tangible actions that students can see, touch, and experience. By transforming classrooms into living laboratories for sustainability, we empower young minds to think critically about our planet’s future.

Imagine walking through a school where solar panels glisten on the roof, rainwater systems nourish a flourishing school garden, and student projects showcase innovative recycling programs. These are not just ideals; they can be everyday realities that enhance the educational experience. When students see their school actively reducing waste and conserving energy, they understand sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life.

The younger generations have every right to be angry with us; In recent years, the topic of global warming has increasingly occupied the public discourse. While many generations have grappled with the implications of climate change, Generation Z stands out for their heightened disappointment and urgent call for action. Born into a world where climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, Gen Z’s perspective on global warming reflects their unique position as both victims of past environmental negligence and pioneers of future solutions”. “It is therefore no longer a choice, but a necessary mandate, that sustainability is taken seriously at a legislative and local implementation level. Thus reverse the gross global negligence of the past and give future generations the same planetary privileges that we have enjoyed.

Schools and School districts that embrace sustainable construction, foster a sense of pride among students and staff. It nurtures a community that cares about its environmental footprint and encourages everyone to take action. As we teach students about the importance of sustainability, we’re also instilling values of responsibility and stewardship. The lessons learned in these sustainable spaces can inspire action that goes beyond the school walls, sparking a wider movement towards eco-conscious living within the community.

When educational institutions prioritize building sustainably, they also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. The integration of sustainable practices in schools serves as a crucial foundation for fostering environmental advocates who are prepared to tackle the challenges of climate change. With an increasing emphasis on sustainability skills in future job markets, educational facilities that model these practices not only educate students for current challenges but also equip them with the necessary tools for their futures. For example, the repurposing of metal cans – it’s much easier to recycle this metal than it is to purify it from ores. Once you have the molten aluminum, it may be repurposed to make jewelry, cookware, ornaments, sculptures, or for another metalworking project. Recycled plastic bottles can be used in various construction applications, including roofing materials, insulation, and even structural components. Wood-plastic combinations can be used instead of lumber to make weatherproof decking, railings, and molding

In essence, sustainable construction in education isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating vibrant, eco-friendly spaces that promote learning, well-being, and responsibility toward our Earth. Through this approach, schools and colleges can play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future, inspiring students to become the change-makers of tomorrow.

One way schools can embrace sustainable construction is by investing in buildings that support the decarbonization goals highlighted in recent reports. For instance, using solar panels and wind energy systems can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease operational costs. This not only saves money but also aligns with the necessity of minimizing the building sector’s carbon footprint, a critical component of the fight against climate change. Such eco-friendly infrastructures serve as practical models for students learning about sustainability issues.

Another key aspect of sustainable construction is the selection of materials. Modern sustainable schools are increasingly utilizing materials that are renewable or recycled, such as bamboo and recycled plastics. The Green Construction Market highlights how these materials contribute to the efficiency and durability of buildings. By prioritizing materials that have lower environmental impacts, educational institutions can demonstrate a commitment to reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

Lodz, Poland, 2024, High Technical School building, entire wall covered with solar panels

Why Schools and Colleges Should Focus on Sustainability

Educational institutions have a profound opportunity to shape community outlook on sustainability. Incorporating sustainable practices in schools can yield both immediate and long-lasting benefits, from reducing utility costs to improving indoor air quality. According to the Eddisons Education insights, sustainable school buildings lead to better educational outcomes and improved health for students and staff. Schools that incorporate these practices serve as lively educational tools, extending the learning about sustainability beyond the textbook and into tangible experiences.

Adopting sustainability in schools is also about preparing young people for a future where preserving our planet is of utmost importance. Education can empower students to become adept at considering the ecological impact of their daily choices, a skill increasingly necessary in our current environmental climate. Educators can incorporate sustainability into their curriculums by teaching students how to interact responsibly with their environment, thus fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Key Features of Sustainable Educational Facilities

Schools designed with sustainability in mind often feature state-of-the-art energy-efficient systems. From advanced HVAC systems to green roofs, these elements contribute significantly to decreasing a building’s energy consumption. By maximizing natural light through architectural design, they reduce the need for artificial lighting, which is one of the ‘5 Principles’ of sustainable school design. This not only reduces energy costs but has been shown to enhance student wellbeing and productivity.

Adapting existing buildings to become more sustainable is equally crucial. Many schools are turning to eco-friendly renovation techniques to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. This means installing energy-saving windows or retrofitting buildings with cycle systems for air circulation that minimize heating and cooling costs. Schools can learn from pioneers like the Green School in Bali, which utilizes entirely eco-friendly resources.

Water conservation systems also play a pivotal role in sustainable school infrastructures. Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses, as outlined in the University of Illinois guide, is an excellent way to demonstrate sustainability in action by reducing freshwater consumption and lowering costs associated with providing water to large student populations.

Incorporating Student Involvement in Sustainability

Encouraging students to participate in sustainability initiatives is pivotal in creating a culture of environmental responsibility. Schools can engage students in projects such as school gardens and recycling programs—initiatives that provide hands-on learning experiences and instill a sense of accountability towards the environment. This is beneficial for teaching effective resource management and sustainability principles directly through student involvement, as highlighted by thenextideagroup.com.

Empowering students to take part in projects such as energy audits and conservation plans is a direct way to integrate practical sustainability lessons in their education. Such initiatives not only educate about ecological impacts but also prepare students for future careers in green engineering or sustainable business practices. As the ICC article suggests, teaching the next generation to prioritize eco-friendly approaches can lead to a substantial decrease in ecological impacts going forward.

Students learning Gardening

School Food and Sustainability

Why food and sustainability education interfaces and why it matters

In the quest for a more sustainable world, our food choices play a crucial role. Sustainable food isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to producing and consuming food in a way that preserves our planet and supports the communities involved in its production. Schools are uniquely positioned to champion this movement, serving as both educators and implementers of sustainable practices.

Understanding Food Sustainability

Food sustainability encompasses several critical elements:

Environmental Protection: Producing food sustainably means minimizing the environmental impact. This includes reducing carbon emissions, minimizing water usage, and avoiding harmful pesticides and fertilizers that can damage ecosystems.
Resource Efficiency: Sustainable food production optimizes the use of natural resources. This means less waste, more recycling, and smarter farming techniques that yield more with less.
Economic Viability for Food production: It’s about ensuring that farmers can earn a fair living, enabling them to continue their work without compromising on quality or environmental ethics.
Community Enrichment: Enhancing the quality of life in food-producing communities, caring for the welfare of both people and animals, and ensuring social equity.

The Role of Schools in Promoting Sustainable Food

Schools have the potential to become powerful advocates for sustainable food practices. Here’s how they can lead this change:

Education and Awareness

Educators can incorporate sustainability into the curriculum, teaching students about the origins of food, the impact of food choices on the environment, and the importance of sustainability. This knowledge empowers students to make informed decisions about what they eat and why it matters.

Repurposing materials in the garden

School Gardens

One practical approach to reinforcing sustainable messages is by utilizing school gardens. These gardens serve multiple purposes:

Hands-On Learning: Students gain firsthand experience in growing their own food, understanding the time, effort, and resources required in the process. There is something magical about the food chain whether it’s using eggs from School raised chickens or vegetables grown in the school garden, students will always
Community Involvement: School gardens can involve the entire community, from parents to local businesses, creating a support network that extends beyond the schoolyard.
Environmental Stewardship: By cultivating gardens, students learn about biodiversity, the importance of healthy soil, and the benefits of organic farming.

Sustainable Cafeteria Practices

The following list represents some common design principles when considering sustainable design strategies in school construction.

1.Embrace Energy-Efficient Resources

Energy efficiency remains a crucial aspect of sustainable design. While achieving net zero might be aspirational for some, prioritizing energy-efficient resources can still lead to significant savings and emission reductions. Consider:

Energy-efficient building materials
Repurpose existing materials and fixtures in new construction and furniture
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
Smart lighting and heating technology, essentially only using what is required
Optimized window designs to best regulate temperature and light that best suits the local weather

These strategies not only cut emissions but can dramatically reduce utility costs.

2. Design Flexible Classrooms

Budget constraints often push schools to do more with less, and one effective strategy is to design flexible learning spaces. Adaptable classrooms can be achieved through:

Folding walls / Portable Partitions
Modular furniture
Movable storage cabinets
Whiteboards/Electronic monitors on wheels

These solutions encourage a breadth of activities, ranging from individual work to group projects, thus augmenting space and resources while providing a sustainable environment.

3.Prioritize Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is directly linked to student health, focus, and performance. Many school buildings, however, lack adequate ventilation systems. From a sustainability standpoint, schools need to deploy only toxin-free construction materials and install:

Biophilic Design elements
Advanced ventilation systems</li style=”color: #fff;font-size: 23px;line-height: 27px;”>
Air purifiers
Weather stripping (sealing of air leaks such as doors or operable windows)
Strategic window and vent placements

These measures can drastically improve IAQ, creating healthier learning environments.

4. Choose Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable building materials are now available and affordable, not to mention innovative. Options like recycled or reclaimed materials, steel, bamboo, mycelium, and cork provide numerous benefits, including:

Insulation
Durability
Shock and acoustic absorption
Aesthetic appeal
Carbon-neutrality

Using these innovative materials will support sustainable construction of Schools, as well as provide an enhanced environment for students and teachers.

Produce grown and harvested from a school garden

Some Primary Design Principles when building or remodeling schools

The following list represents some common design principles when considering sustainable design strategies in school construction.

1.Embrace Energy-Efficient Resources

Energy-efficient building materials
Repurpose existing materials and fixtures in new construction and furniture
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power
Smart lighting and heating technology, essentially only using what is required
Optimized window designs to best regulate temperature and light that best suits the local weather

These strategies not only cut emissions but can dramatically reduce utility costs.

2. Design Flexible Classrooms

Budget constraints often push schools to do more with less, and one effective strategy is to design flexible learning spaces. Adaptable classrooms can be achieved through:

Folding walls / Portable Partitions
Modular furniture
Movable storage cabinets
Whiteboards/Electronic monitors on wheels

These solutions encourage a breadth of activities, ranging from individual work to group projects, thus augmenting space and resources while providing a sustainable environment.

3.Prioritize Indoor Air Quality

Biophilic Design elements
Advanced ventilation systems
Air purifiers
Weather stripping (sealing of air leaks such as doors or operable windows)
Strategic window and vent placements

These measures can drastically improve IAQ, creating healthier learning environments.

4. Choose Sustainable Building Materials

Insulation
Durability
Shock and acoustic absorption
Aesthetic appeal
Carbon-neutrality

Using these innovative materials will support sustainable construction of Schools, as well as provide an enhanced environment for students and teachers.

5. Install Water Conservation Systems

Water conservation is another critical element of sustainability. Schools can significantly reduce their water usage by implementing:

Smart Faucets
Dual-flush toilets
Low-flow faucets
Waterless urinals
Rainwater harvesting systems

These systems capitalize on technology as well as natural resources therefore will substantially reduce water bills.

6. Harnessing the Power of Natural Light in Schools

In an era where sustainability and efficiency are more important than ever, our schools have a unique opportunity to lead by example. One simple yet impactful change is the use of natural light. Incorporating more daylight into classrooms can positively affect energy bills, learning outcomes, and carbon emissions.

Integrating skylights or floor-to-ceiling windows
Architectural Designs such as pitched roofs with north-facing roof lights. (North-facing roof lights reduce direct sunlight, thereby cutting down on heat gain and the associated cooling costs).
Utilizing reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glossy finishes

Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Sustainable Practices

Implementing sustainable practices in schools and colleges does come with its own set of challenges. According to the Sustainable Buildings Market Study, initial investment costs and the expertise required can be significant hurdles. However, it’s important to note that these challenges are often transitional, and long-term benefits, such as reduced operational costs and the preservation of natural resources, far outweigh the upfront costs.

There are myriad opportunities to fund sustainable projects in schools, including grants and government incentives focused on environmental conservation. Partnerships with eco-conscious companies or sustainability-focused organizations can also be a source of resources and expertise. With rising global awareness for ecological impacts and the increasing demand for sustainable education, institutions have a chance to lead by example and set a precedent in environmental responsibility and education strategy change.

The Malaysian Academy of Han Studies, Melaka, Malaysia

Embracing Sustainability and Creativity in Education

Sustainable construction in schools and colleges is not just about creating eco-friendly buildings; it’s about fostering an educational environment that reflects the values of sustainability and conservation. By investing in green technologies, sustainable materials, and even student-led initiatives, educational institutions can lead by example and ultimately inspire future generations to prioritize the health of our planet.

In today’s school construction, in general, the priorities are cost, accessibility, and safety. While all three priorities are of course essential, it is rare that creativity or sustainability is prioritized in school maintenance and construction, thus US schools, in general, are aesthetically deficient and mitigate student environmental imagination.

Indeed, School architecture is mainly square and rectangular, maximizing space and functionality. Meanwhile, TNI Group would advocate that by adopting curvature and building creativity, students are granted an enhanced environment that offers broader thought and mindset in general. For example, taking architectural and creative inspiration from world leading architects such as Zaha Hadid or Norman Foster would both positively change the school campus environment, and have purpose towards more modern and sustainable surroundings.

Creative models serve as powerful models for their students and the wider community. When students see their schools actively engaging in sustainable practices, it reinforces the message that caring for the environment is not just a trend but a necessary way of life. Whether it’s installing energy-efficient lighting, implementing water-saving fixtures, or creating beautiful green spaces filled with native plants, every step towards sustainability sends a strong message about responsibility and stewardship.

Modern sustainable school building on Groningen Campus, Netherlands

Additionally, schools and colleges can utilize their unique positions to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their curriculum. Teachers can weave environmental themes into science lessons, art projects, and even discussions in history class. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability becomes ingrained in the students’ learning experience, encouraging them to think critically about the world around them.

Moreover, the engagement doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Schools can form clubs or committees focused on sustainability, encouraging students to brainstorm and lead initiatives that could benefit their school and community. For example, they could organize clean-up days, tree planting events, or awareness campaigns about waste reduction. This way, students not only learn about sustainability conceptually but also practice it in real-world scenarios.

Collaboration with local businesses can also amplify these efforts. Schools can partner with organizations that specialize in eco-friendly practices, hosting workshops or community events that highlight the importance of sustainable living. By creating these connections, schools not only gain valuable resources and knowledge but also reinforce the idea that sustainability is a community effort.

In essence, sustainable construction goes hand in hand with cultivating a deeper understanding of environmental issues among young people. By building spaces that prioritize eco-friendly practices, educational institutions are not just shaping their own futures but also empowering a generation to be proactive in facing the challenges that lie ahead. Let’s work together to ensure that every student walks away with the knowledge and confidence to help heal our planet!
Additionally, embracing sustainable construction provides an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning experiences. Imagine classrooms where students can actively participate in energy audits, exploring how to reduce their buildings’ energy consumption. This experiential learning not only makes sustainability come to life but also equips students with valuable skills they’ll carry into their future careers.

It’s also essential to create a culture of sustainability beyond the classroom. Schools can host sustainability fairs, allowing students to share their eco-friendly projects with the wider community, thus encouraging others to adopt greener practices. By showcasing success stories and innovative ideas, educational institutions can become central hubs of environmental stewardship and advocacy.

Additionally, collaboration with local businesses and environmental organizations can enhance sustainability efforts. Engaging the community not only provides schools with access to resources and expertise but also helps foster a sense of collective responsibility for the environment. When students see their local communities committed to sustainability, it emphasizes that caring for our planet is a shared endeavor.

Conceptual green school building of the future

Every step taken towards sustainable construction is a step toward a more resilient and aware generation. As students learn to appreciate the environment through practical applications, they build a foundation of responsibility that extends well beyond their time in school. By creating spaces that prioritize sustainability, schools and colleges are nurturing not just students, but eco-conscious leaders who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

In essence, sustainable construction serves as a launchpad for broader conversations about environmental issues, empowering young people to think critically and act decisively in favor of a sustainable future. Through collective action and a commitment to greener practices, educational institutions have the potential to cultivate a generation that truly understands the importance of living in harmony with our planet. Let’s build a brighter, greener future together

Modern futuristic educational building

Author: Robert Ancill of The Next Idea Group, [TNI]

Sources:

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