Examines renovation issues involving 30- and 40-year-old school facilities. Explores ways a school district can renovate old buildings to first-class cost-effective facilities while avoiding excessive transition costs. Discussions include installation of new technology and the resulting wiring demands, and developing more energy-efficient heating…

Explains the use of computerized monitoring systems of campus operations to help make their facilities management more efficient while making the physical plant department's responsibilities easier. Highlights comments about not computerizing the facility management. (GR)

Presents specific steps that help make schools energy efficient and cut costs. Four basic strategies are suggested that include creating a database of energy usage that can also catch the occasional billing error, investigating less obvious ways of cutting energy use, such as applying cellulose commercial spray as an insulation choice, and…

Although heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineering degrees are not offered, there is a serious need for specialists and consultants in this area (since most have been trained as mechanical engineers). Opportunities exist for individuals possessing a customer-oriented attitude, with knowledge in computerized controls, innovative…

Solar power is providing about 60 percent of the space heating and domestic hot water and about 22 percent of the cooling load at the Ralph Bunch Middle School in Atlanta (Georgia). (Author/MLF)

At the Shenandoah Solar Recreation Center in Georgia, solar energy is used not only for heating and cooling, but also for ice making. (Author/MLF)

Discusses how to spot indoor air quality (IAQ) problems in schools and possible actions to take to eliminate them. Highlights the types of pollutants that contribute to IAQ deterioration and the physical symptoms commonly associated with them, and suggests ways of addressing older heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to improve air…

Describes an award-winning school heating and cooling system in which two energy-efficient technologies, variable-flow pumping and geothermal heat pumps, were combined. The basic system schematic and annual energy use and cost savings statistics are provided. (GR)

Explores the steps to take to reduce the likelihood that indoor-air-quality (IAQ) problems will develop in educational facilities. Highlights sources and hazards of IAQ when renovating buildings; control strategies and the establishment of IAQ close-out criteria for all renovation projects; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system…

Provides tips on choosing a school heating/ventilation and air-conditioning system that meets a school's needs and budget. Discusses how to assess a school's needs and offers suggestions for making the final decision. Data tables are provided that compare various systems, including costs, maintenance, and life expectancy. (GR)

Explains why converting to geothermal heating and cooling is a good option when constructing or retrofitting schools. Reasons discussed include competitive installation costs, lower operating and maintenance costs, greater building-design flexibility, and greater user satisfaction. (GR)

Based on one school district's experience, discusses raised access flooring systems for schools. Addresses the nuts and bolts of such flooring systems, integrating an air delivery system below the flooring, advantages of floor-level air supply, and design issues. (EV)

Because community libraries are becoming centers of suburban and "exurban" activity, quiet study rooms are being constructed for customers intent on concentrated study. Discusses functional (size, location, furniture) and physical (acoustic, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, electronic support) considerations of quiet…

The Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Minnesota is constructing a building that will be 95 percent underground. (Author/MLF)

Explains how a well-designed heating and air conditioning system with good facility maintenance can prevent most indoor air quality problems in schools. Stresses attention to issues of leak prevention and sanitation. (GR)