school

Details a NIOSH (US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) investigation of a school whose occupants suffered from allergic symptoms. The investigation found that occupants' symptoms were consistent with sick building syndrome. Many complaints were apparently related to insufficient outdoor air, temperature extremes in some cases, and temperature controls that were inadequately responsive to classroom conditions.

The measurement and simulation of energy consumption and comfort is undertaken for a primary school in Melbourne, Australia. Four classrooms are measured providing data sets of air temperature, humidity, heating and lighting energy consumption in conjunction with external weather measurements over a full year. The primary investigation is to assess two different heating systems: electric radiant ceiling panels versus gas convective air heating.

The results of numerical simulation on the effects of solar chimney for ventilation in the new building of Faculty of International Environmental Engineering Kitakyushu University, Japan are described. The air velocity and pressure within the solar chimney were estimated by simplified methods and CFD calculation and both results agreed quite well. It was found that the air flow rates would depend on the inside wall temperatures and section ratio of solar chimney with the same section area.

Describes the indoor air quality remediation of a US elementary school. The school was in a poor state, with very high humidity levels due to steam from the boilers infiltrating walls and crawlspaces and roof leaks. Cockroaches and birds had entered the building. Leaking chemical drums were found in the basement. There were high rates of respiratory illness and absenteeism. The remediation included eliminating extensive mould in the wall cavities, repairing roof leaks and adding a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

Reports on the detailed design of Birchensale Middle School, and how the design team has incorporated PROBE lessons into the specification. The school is over 30 years old, naturally ventilated and lightweight in construction. The PROBE team's role has been to help fine-tune the design based on the findings from PROBE post-occupancy studies. Perimeter classrooms are naturally ventilated with cross-ventilation via openable fanlights above the classroom doors.

States that the poor indoor air quality of US schools has become a real concern for students, parents and educators. This article discusses why the problem exists. A second article is to cover source management and mechanical controls, and a third will provide a summary and list addional resources. States that modern schools are differently designed; buildings used to be able to handle small, common rainwater leaks without growing mould because they were constructed of masonry, steel, ceramics and plaster.