Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) may not be the only aspect of a green school, but it is one of the most significant. Advanced environmental instrumentation technology now provides school business officials with tools to measure the factors that contribute to their schools' IEQ. These new devices make it possible to identify the toxic or…

Planning new construction is an opportunity to recognize indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues. Provides an overview of some common IEQ issues associated with construction projects. A building's heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is by far the single most common cause of IEQ problems and complaints. (MLF)

A Houston, Texas, school district has found that indirect lighting fixtures combined with skylights lower energy bills and provide softer, more natural lighting. A principal feels the softer light may have a calming effect on students' behavior. (MLF)

School buildings must be periodically evaluated for the purpose of determining adequacy in meeting instructional program needs. Criteria and purposes of school building evaluation are explained. (MLF)

Roof maintenance and repair should be part of an ongoing preservation program. Describes New York's Capital Assets Preservation (CAP) program and includes a CAP checklist and criteria for evaluating a roofing system. Describes roof testing methods. (MLF)

A procedure for physical facilities management written 17 years ago is still worth following today. Each of the steps outlined for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, and evaluating must be accomplished if school facilities are to be properly planned and constructed. However, lessons have been learned about energy consumption and proper…

Areas to consider in planning a microcomputer laboratory include program needs of students and staff, facilities, equipment, and finances. Suggestions are offered. (MLF)

Every school needs an effective disaster recovery plan that is flexible, comprehensive and designed to take into account unexpected disasters. Presents guidelines for preparing such a plan, with immediate and long-range recovery procedures. (MD)

The first logical step in school energy conservation is a review of annual operation and maintenance procedures to identify cost-saving opportunities. (Author/MLF)

Describes a roofing disaster and states the necessity for total uncompromising control of the entire roofing process: (1) select the best system; (2) design and write tight specifications; (3) ensure that the system is correctly installed; and (4) maintain the roof properly. (MLF)

The structural standing seam roof has the advantages of ease of application, low maintenance, and low life-cycle costs. Explains and illustrates how the system's concealed clip attachments are designed so that the roof panels can expand and contract independently of the insulation. (MLF)

School site development planning involves consideration of location, topography, utilities, accessibility, lighting, landscaping, traffic and parking, playground areas, and athletic facilities. A checklist is provided. (MLF)

Conflicts between superintendents and architects about planning school facilities can be avoided by written educational specifications and an understanding that preliminary cost estimates are not binding. However, the owner may impose a fixed budget limitation that is legally binding if all parties agree in writing. (MLF)

School remodeling decisions should be based on a careful analysis of the site, building, educational program, and estimated cost. (Author/MLF)

A school expansion project should be carefully orchestrated with following steps: compiling list of everyone's perceived needs; determining what is affordable; developing program of requirements; developing a master plan; and overseeing the process. Case studies of two New York State schools (one urban and one suburban) illustrate how the location…