Kennicott, P (2014). Standing on the edge of the Anacostia River, with the disused piers of the old 11th Street Bridge in front of him, Scott Kratz says he doesn’t yet know what the four design teams will propose for a new urban park on the site. The finalists have until September to submit drawings for the competition. (Posted on June 27, 2014).
Tag: Environmental Issues
A Case for Schoolhouse Aesthetics by Charles Kenneth Tanner
Tanner, C. K. (2013). Dr. Tanner conducted his research about new learning environments being built and took into consideration numerous variables. For example, school systems consider the instructional needs of the students they serve, enrollment, and whether to replace or remodel an old building. The concept of “going green” encourages school system planners to consider the natural surroundings and built environment that surrounds the school, thereby allowing the school's architecture to match its surroundings. This notion has sparked an interest in sustainable design, which may best be explained as minimizing the harmful effects of the building on the environment. It further extends to the theory of biophilia or a natural attraction to living systems. Sustainability and the biophilia premise go far beyond just following new codes for construction and materials related to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. They link directly to aesthetics.
C. Kenneth Tanner, Professor of Career and Information Studies, University of Georgia, Athens, is a graduate of Florida State University. He teaches graduate courses in educational planning, policy, and organizational studies. His research chain takes into consideration how the physical environment influences behavior and productivity. Most recently, he is working on comparing student productivity in "green" schools, and is consultant to both public and private schools that are planning educational facilities. Dr. Tanner has published and presented over 150 articles, book chapters, and academic papers. He is the primary author of four textbooks and his most recent book on educational facilities planning and design is among the best selling works in the areas of academic and applied studies of school facility planning.
Towards Healthy Schools 2015 – Progress on America’s Environmental Health Crisis for Children
Coalition for Healthier Schools (2015).
Towards Healthy Schools 2015: Progress on America’s Environmental Health Crisis for Children is the third triennial state-by-state data and policy report on this topic since 2006. Sick Schools (2009) and before it Lessons Learned (2006) researched and assessed state-by-state data and policies on environmental conditions at schools and risks to children’s health, compiling them into a single, unique resource that painted a deeply disturbing picture, in which vulnerable children endure unhealthy schools. This guide provides basic federal data for public schools, such as total number of buildings; total enrollment; total number of personnel; percentage of children with asthma; percentage of children without health insurance; total number of children receiving special education; total number of children of minority status; and more.
Effective & Efficient School Facilities Maintenance – Integrated Pest Management
ACEF (2013). Webinar: The American Clearinghouse on Educational Facilities.
Structural and landscape pests can pose a significant problem to people, property and the environment. Pesticides and herbicides can also pose risks to people, property, and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecologically based pest management strategy that provides long-term management of pest problems with minimum impact on human health, the environment, and non-target organisms. IPM programs are education-based and apply the user’s knowledge of pest biology and its relationship within the environment to prevent and resolve pest problems. This webinar is designed to educate educational stakeholders about what is IPM, how it can be incorporated into the school district without additional costs and in conjunction with the facilities department.
Best practices for radon measurement in Minnesota schools and commercial buildings
Minnesota Department of Health (2013).
This document is intended to assist school oficials and consultants to design and implement a radon testing program through: • Planning • Communication • Initial measurements • Follow-up measurements • Reduction verification • Future testing
Schools designed with the environment in mind
Revkin, A. (2013).
The National Building Museum "Green Schools" exhibition showcases innovations in school designs aimed at cutting energy use and conserving water and other resources. Displays show design features at 41 schools (both public and private) that are fostering environmental education by creating a sustainable education environment.
Mould Assessment Recommendations
National Collaborating for Environmental Health (2012).
This report provides Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) with recommendations for evaluating buildings, residences, and other built environments for mould. This information is based on Mould Assessment in Indoor Environments -- Review of Guidelines & Evidence, which includes available evidence from current research papers and mould assessment guidelines commissioned by the NCCEH.
Exploring School Building Conditions and School Geographical Location on Student Achievement in Alberta
Horswill, R. A. (2012). 2 (2)
The purpose of this quantitative non-experimental study was to determine if school geographical location and school building condition affected student academic achievement in Alberta, Canada kindergarten to grade nine schools.
Fact Sheet – Mold in School
United States Environmental Protection Agency (2012).
The Environmental Protection Agency outlined a brief fact sheet of mold within school buildings. The fact sheet describes why mold is growing, where mold grows, health effects, and how to manage mold.
The impact of school buildings on student health and performance – A call for research
McGraw-Hill Research Foundation; Baker, L., & Bernstein, H. (2012).
This brief discusses the influence a school facility can have on student occupants. Also, the brief discusses the important role stakeholders need to take to advance, identify and require research into the connection between school buildings and student health and learning. Resources are provided at the conclusion of the brief for stakeholders to advance research of educational facilities.