Begins with an overview of the basic principles of light and light sources currently utilized in building design. Case studies of several successfully lit library buildings are presented and specific recommendations for the various functional requirements of a library are provided. (15 references) (MES)

Turning off all the interior and exterior lighting when school buildings are closed saves money. In a small Illinois school district, nearly $14,000 were saved in electrical expenditures for six buildings. Another Illinois district currently has 19 of its 32 buildings blacked out at night and saves over $150,000 annually. Vandalism and loitering…

This report examines both electric lighting and daylighting, listing criteria to determine the correct equipment for a school renovation or building project. Specific topics examine use of prismatic lenses; parabolic louvers; and indirect lighting, including the cost savings of using indirect lighting. The report indicates there is no clear answer…

In 1986, Northeast Utilities began helping shool administrators combat school building energy wastage through a program called Energy Alliance. The typical school can reduce its energy bill by 30 percent by adopting a wide range of conservation measures, including cogeneration, relamping, and energy audits. (MLH)

Recent years have shown a rise in crimes committed in English schools necessitating the need to formulate security policies. This document examines the use of security lighting and provides guidance and technical advice on policy to assist those responsible for design, specification, purchase, installation, maintenance, operation, and management…

This paper examines the emerging trend of multipurpose class spaces, including educational trends influencing multipurpose classroom use, and key issues when using these spaces. Issues discussed include room location, technology integration, food services, acoustics, lighting, outdoor space, capacity, and storage. Design principles emphasized…

This paper addresses classroom design trends and the key issues schools should consider for better classroom space flexibility and adaptability. Classroom space design issues when schools embrace technology are discussed, as are design considerations when rooms must accommodate different grade levels, the importance of lighting, furniture…

The Energy Star Buildings program assists school districts in reducing energy costs. Traditional and creative funding opportunities are outlined. For the voluntary program, the Environmental Protection Agency provides no-cost technical support, software, workshops, technology updates, and other tools to all participants. (MLF)

Energy engineers can help schools build complete energy conservation systems. These specialists (1) conduct thorough energy audits, (2) design and supervise retrofitting, (3) recommend and supervise preventive maintenance programs, (4) recommend computerized controls, and (5) monitor utility bills. This article includes description of a school…

A conservation program is credited with saving schools $9 million in Portland, Oregon, over the last eight years. Effective retrofits include a computerized energy-management system, new lighting, and credit meters in school sprinkling systems. Teachers incorporate energy conservation into classrooms by encouraging students to conduct energy…

The Florida Department of Education is monitoring the energy use of two adjacent portable classrooms to compare their energy efficiency in a hot and humid climate and determine if they can be made more energy efficient either by retrofit or when the portables were constructed. This report provides the background of this research and describes the…

Programs to correct energy loss problems in Ontario school buildings were followed by resource documents used to integrate energy concepts into the curriculum. Physical plant changes, operational changes, and control policy changes contributed to an approximate 20 percent reduction in school energy use. (MLF)

A school construction guide offers key personnel in school development projects information on the complex task of master planning and construction of schools in Australia. This chapter of the guide provides advice on school building design issues, such as the fundamentals of good design and designs that accommodate change, issues affecting…

A 1997 report estimates Minnesota needs to spend up to $4.5 billion to replace or improve its current educational facilities to meet the needs of its students in the future. This guide, designed to encourage and guide Minnesota school districts in enhancing student achievement and school-community partnerships, summarizes changes in laws and…