Cleanlink News September 14 2009
Sustainable Design Can Boost Student Performance
How the many elements of sustainability, including the importance of good indoor air quality, affect a school and students' performance is addressed in a recent research paper.
The research paper evaluates the latest studies and scientific papers
published on green school design and how improved indoor air quality
and learning environments affect student and teacher performance,
operations and maintenance and overall economics. In particular, it highlights the importance of good indoor air quality
and how utilizing low-emitting finishes, building products, furniture,
school supplies and even cleaning chemicals can drastically improve the
quality of air school occupants breathe.
Controlling and eliminating the sources of indoor pollutants is
described as the most effective approach to achieve healthy indoor
environments. Minimizing indoor air pollutants is paramount to high
performance schools, based on the potentially detrimental effects
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), allergens, molds and combustion
gases may have on the health and well being of children. In addition to
their capacity of triggering asthma or allergy attacks, some of these
pollutants can cause flu-like symptoms, headaches, nausea and
irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program, which
certifies products for low chemical emissions, is highlighted as an
effective way to achieve good indoor air quality in schools.
