Understanding the importance of good indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is the backbone of developing an effective Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program. Poor IAQ can lead to a large variety of health problems and potentially affect comfort, concentration, and staff/student performance. In recognition of tight school budgets, this guidance is designed…

Some common sense energy conservation suggestions that can immediately lower energy use in school buildings. (MLF)

A new variable air volume system in a highrise educational building cut fuel bills $50,000 in the first year. (Author/MLF)

A closed-loop geothermal heating system in a Minnesota school uses the earth's temperature as a counterweight to the extremes of temperature on the surface and in the school. The system is expected to recoup its extra investment in fewer than five years of service. Cites statistics concerning energy management in schools. (MLF)

Energy management systems are designed to monitor and control energy consumption. A variety of these systems is described. (MLF)

This first article in a series about cooling classrooms by ventilation explains that energy consumption for one day of refrigeration cooling is equal to energy use for 35 days of ventilation cooling. Schools using only refrigeration cooling are passing up energy savings that could be provided by ventilation cooling. (Author/MLF)

Building design and construction that helps deliver both superior air quality and occupant thermal comfort, while minimizing energy consumption, are examined. The paper explores an integrated building systems approach that combines the principles of "directed air flow control" and "demand controlled ventilation" where ventilation is effectively…

The nonprofit Alliance to Save Energy has been helping schools reduce energy consumption through a combination of retrofits, classroom instruction, and behavior. Lists eight small steps to big energy savings, among them: involve the whole school, stop leaks, turn off computers, and recycle. (MLF)

Shows how libraries can save money and energy with energy-efficient technologies, improving maintenance, and encouraging staff efforts to conserve energy. Specific techniques such as life-cycle cost analysis and energy audits focusing on lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water efficiency are described. Funding options and…

Describes a project at the Manatee Education Center in Naples, Florida, which won an ASHRAE award. Project involved the implementation of ice-storage technology in 19 schools. Compares the performance of ice-storage systems with traditional chiller designs in two other schools. Tables illustrate costs for the campuses. Addresses the maintenance…

Determining the feasibility of modifying existing buildings to take advantage of solar energy requires a formal technical study. This workbook is designed to help the reader perform a preliminary analysis to decide whether investing in such a formal study would be beneficial. The book guides the user through an exploration of the general…

Concerned about the effect rising energy costs would have on their local affiliates, building consultants for national social welfare agencies have been advocating the initiation of energy management and conservation programs. This manual, a three-part educational and planning tool, is a key element in a program developed to help local agencies…

This publication presents field-proven school energy conservation programs, practices, procedures, and ideas that can assist educators with the resource allocation challenges caused by the international energy situation. The programs presented are representative of a broad spectrum of school and school-related organizations from 15 widely…

This manual serves as an energy conservation reference and management guide for school districts. The School District Energy Program (SDEP) is designed to provide information and/or assistance to school administrators planning to implement a comprehensive energy management program. The manual consists of 15 parts. Part 1 describes the SDEP; Parts…