Examples of educational facilities using metal buildings to lower construction costs and increase flexibility. (MLF)

This report examines the problem of acoustic inadequacy in the classroom, how it affects students and teachers, and possible solutions. It explains how to predict classroom adequacy for communication by assessing the level of speech in competition with other noise, and the level of that competing noise itself in terms of reverberation that allows…

A Florida study replaced conventional light switches with passive infrared or ultrasonic sensing systems to control classroom lighting in an elementary school to determine the performance of such controls in saving energy. A before-and-after monitoring protocol was used for 33 classrooms and 7 offices in which electrical demand data were…

The world's longest skylighted galleria (main street for student residents at the University of Alberta) is the lifeline of a 950-foot long complex of apartments and shops sponsored by the student government and architecturally designed to fit over an existing street. (Author/MF)

Describes what the interaction between the trend to centralized control of building operation and the increased capabilities of computers means to building design and operation today and in the future. (Author/DN)

Parking, room temperature controls, wear-and-tear on furnishings, security, and other factors that should be considered in designing a community center are discussed. The importance of good planning based on community needs is emphasized. (PP)

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)

A Florida campus became the laboratory for training energy technicians. The first year's class operation saved $37,500 in energy costs. (Author/MLF)

The survival of the consulting engineer depends on adequate training in environmental systems and energy technologies. A mechanical/electrical building systems curriculum is proposed. (Author/BB)

A comprehensive energy management program contains these basic parts: a plan with responsibility for performance, a system for monitoring and evaluating the results, and feedback to make sure the savings are maintained. (Author/MLF)

After a study of 3,000 classrooms in 130 schools in 16 states, the Environmental Protection Agency urged all schools to conduct tests for radon. Explains a 6-step screening test, methods of reducing radon concentrations, and how the risk from radon exposure compares with other risks. (MLF)

Presents guidelines for the proper care and handling of videodisc and CD-ROM hardware and software. Topics discussed include handling the equipment, moving, cleaning techniques, storage considerations, ventilation requirements, and climate control. (LRW)

School systems should test the air in every school building for the presence and level of contaminants such as radon and asbestos and whether the ventilation system is circulating the proper amount of air. Periodic maintenance is required for all mechanical systems. (MLF)

Overview of current trends in the preservation of library materials discusses collections conservation and management; climate control; insect and mold control; fire control; the effects of compact shelving; freezing and freeze-drying; space drying; alkaline paper; recycled paper; mass deacidification; and paper strengthening. (27 notes and…