This manual, written in response to requirements of the Washington State legislature, focuses on practices which can be undertaken during the siting, design, construction, or renovation of a school, recommends practices to help ensure good indoor air quality during building occupancy, and suggests protocols and useful reference documents for…

Reviews environmental studies which show that national climatic fluctuations vary over a wide range. Solar radiation, earth temperatures, precipitation, atmospheric gases and suspended particulates are discussed in relation to urban and extraurban effects. Local weather modifications and attempts at climate control by man seem to have substantial…

Computer-based building management systems can cut the energy costs of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in school buildings. Administrators are advised on how to choose the best system. (MLF)

Advises administrators how to develop an energy master plan and how to reduce the usage of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems by means of a time clock, thermostat, and a scheduled preventive maintenance program. (MLF)

Presents concept of preventive conservation of archival records as a new science resulting from the use of modern techniques and chemicals. Various techniques for storage, proper environment, preventive de-acidification, fire prevention, restoration, and staff considerations are described. References are provided. (EJS)

The installation of proper control systems is estimated as saving up to 25 percent of the energy used in schools. Other potential energy-saving areas are transmission (heat loss or gain through walls, especially ceilings); internal load (heat from students, lights, and machinery); ventilation; and equipment maintenance. (Author/MLF)

By installing a computerized energy management system in only four of its schools, the Portsmouth (Virginia) school district has cut its electrical use 23 percent. (Author/MLF)

A new high school in Stillwater, Minnesota, was completed in June 1993 with the objectives of creating a safe indoor environment, minimizing health risks to construction workers, and avoiding a negative impact on the environment. Lists the guidelines used to evaluate products and methods. Displays the findings of five school systems regarding the…

This article, the second in a three-part series of articles that discuss indoor air quality (IAQ) issues affecting schools, looks at the effects of carpet maintenance and environmental influences on IAQ. (MLF)

This article, third in a three-part series of articles that discuss indoor air quality (IAQ) issues affecting schools, looks at studies that compare the health effect of carpet and hard surface floors. Concludes that carpet is appropriate for use in schools when it is properly maintained. (MLF)

Discusses how carpeting is a key factor in providing comfort, safety, acoustical enhancement, temperature control, and natural lighting enhancement for schools. Tips for choosing the right carpet and carpet maintenance are provided. (GR)

Part 1 of this article, the first in a three-part series of articles that discuss indoor air quality (IAQ) issues affecting schools, provides a general overview of IAQ and discusses the three major health problems associated with IAQ: sick building syndrome, building-related illness, and multiple chemical sensitivity. (MLF)

Discusses how proper maintenance can help schools eliminate sources contributing to poor air quality. Maintaining heating and air conditioning units, investigating bacterial breeding grounds, fixing leaking boilers, and adhering to ventilation codes and standards are discussed. (GR)

Presents guidelines for designing classroom HVAC systems that will be able to achieve lower background noise levels that conform to the NC-30 background noise rating level. Guidelines for both central and dedicated systems are offered revealing that the use of conventional HVAC system components can be used to achieve sound levels comparable to…

Reveals how seeking simplicity can help bring indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions to grade schools by balancing IAQ needs, cost, and energy. Issues involving ventilation rate requirements are reexamined, as are compliance with outside-air requirements, dealing with variable-air-volume air distribution regulators, and retrofitting issues involving…