What is a high performance school?
Schools are important anchors at the center of our communities.  High performance schools enhance and deepen that anchor role.  They are designed and constructed to provide efficient, healthy, safe, and productive spaces in which our children can grow and learn.  And they are sources of pride and confidence for the community – the citizens and taxpayers who are charged with properly and competitively educating the next generation.  A high performance school is one in which all of its systems function in an efficient and synergistic fashion.  A high performance school provides a healthy, comfortable environment that facilitates learning, saves money, and helps to protect the environment.   In some cases, thorough retrofitting of pre-existing buildings can yield high performance results.      

What are the benefits of high performance schools?

The benefits of high performance schools are numerous and are achieved throughout the life of the building.  High performance schools save money in the long run because they are resource and material efficient, low cost to operate, and easy to maintain.  Furthermore, high performance schools improve the health of students and teachers.  High performance schools offer improved health and productivity via visual, acoustic, and thermal comfort and superior air quality.   High performance schools are environmentally responsive, employing responsible measures from the site-selection phases through the operational and maintenance phases.  Environmental impacts are reduced with the use of locally manufactured, non-toxic, and recyclable materials and renewable resources whenever possible.  These schools serve as a learning resource for students and a source of pride for the greater community.       

Is high performance design cost effective and is there special funding availble?

Yes.  Any additional up-front investments (e.g., energy modeling, commissioning, and high efficiency building envelope) for high performance schools are typically returned within a few years by means of operational and maintenance savings.  The efficiencies of a high performance school can result in annual utility savings of 20-40% which directly benefits the taxpayer.  High performance schools also consider risk management issues when being designed and constructed.  Lastly, high performance design and resource efficiency can qualify schools for utility rebates and free consultative services from the utilities.  The earlier high performance principles are applied, the greater the potential for immediate and long-term savings.    

Do high performance schools impact student academic performance?

Yes.  Studies have shown that by improving indoor air quality and natural daylight in the classroom, student test scores increase and certain health outcomes are improved.  Additionally, by providing thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort in the classroom, students are placed in a physical environment that is comfortable and contains fewer distractions.   Teachers have also been shown to have increased satisfaction when these high performance features have been introduced.

Do I have to choose between housing more students and high performance?

No.  Budgetary limitations and capacity requirements are made clear to design professionals at the onset.  The pro-active and integrated approach to high performance design allows for cost-effective solutions for nearly any budget.       

Will I have time to do this?

Yes.  Early identification and communication of goals to design professionals is paramount in avoiding costly changes later in the process.  The initial design process for a high performance school typically takes slightly longer than a non-high performance building.  Energy modeling, daylight modeling, and commissioning will involve additional work up front, but will result in a superior building.  The good news is that there are building systems from the U.S. Green Building Council and the Collaborative for High Performance Schools that can provide a framework for your project.  Costly change orders will be reduced and long term savings will be maximized.

Do I need to be an expert in high performance design?

No.  However, qualified design and engineer professionals must be employed and aware of your district’s specific goals.  The integrated nature of high performance design requires experienced and cooperative professionals at each stage of the process.  To find qualified professionals in your area visit our Resource Network (hyperlink).  We also recommend that someone within your building committee or District become familiar with the process required to design a high performance school.  The more knowledge the building owner has, the more likely you will achieve your goals

Should you require a presentation to your school building committee or school board, please contact us. Request a Presentation

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