Sustainable Design Can Boost Student Performance, Research Shows
September 2009
How the many elements of sustainability, including the importance of good indoor air quality, affect a school and students' performance is addressed in a recent research paper.
The research paper evaluates the latest studies and scientific papers published on 'green' school design and how improved indoor air quality and learning environments affect student and teacher performance, operations and maintenance and overall economics.
In particular, it highlights the importance of good indoor air quality and how utilizing low-emitting finishes, building products, furniture, school supplies and even cleaning chemicals can drastically improve the quality of air school occupants breathe.
Controlling and eliminating the sources of indoor pollutants is described as the most effective approach to achieve healthy indoor environments. Minimizing indoor air pollutants is paramount to high performance schools, based on the potentially detrimental effects volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, molds and combustion gases may have on the health and well being of children. In addition to their capacity of triggering asthma or allergy attacks, some of these pollutants can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, nausea and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program, which certifies products for low chemical emissions, is highlighted as an effective way to achieve good indoor air quality in schools.
