How Energy-Efficient School Buildings Improve Student Performance

By Olivier Blum, EVP of Energy Management, Schneider Electric

The Green Classroom Revolution: How Energy-Efficient School Buildings Improve Student Performance

With new technology already transforming our world and job markets, the importance of education has never been greater. It’s no wonder that high-quality education — whether preschool or high school, university or vocational — is a fixed priority for governments, parents, and students alike. But beyond the curriculum and teaching methods, what other factors affect student performance?

Creating a conducive space to learn

A productive learning environment is more than just walls and a roof; it’s a space that also supports the physical and mental well-being of a student and faculty population. In some countries, extreme heat and other climate-related events have caused major disruptions to education.  For instance, extreme heat and extreme cold have been linked to reduced cognitive abilities. Beyond performance, severe heat and air quality conditions can also prevent students from even attending school.

As such, the quality and design of school environments, including factors like noise and natural light, are now widely recognized as a critical factor in student success. By prioritizing energy efficiency and improving indoor environmental quality (IEQ), schools can create healthier, more comfortable learning spaces that enhance student performance, while also minimizing their environmental impact.

Ways to improve energy efficiency in schools

• Lighting: Natural light and energy-efficient LED lighting are proven to boost concentration and cognitive performance. Schools that invest in these lighting solutions can create environments where students are more engaged whilst saving money on energy bills.
• Ventilation: Studies have shown that improved ventilation led to an increase of up to 14% in student performance on standardized tests. Reducing pollutants and controlling humidity can improve energy efficiency by helping classrooms remain cooler in hot climates and limiting heat loss in colder months – all whilst maintaining comfort and health for students and teachers.

These outcomes can be achieved with digital tools like room sensors paired with room ventilation technology such as constant air volume and demand controlled ventilation systems which can gather data and insights to optimize ventilation and improve efficiency.

• Temperature: According to a study in India by Research Gate, the optimal temperature range for classrooms is between 20-26°C, but this does differ slightly based on region and climate. Energy-efficient buildings equipped with advanced HVAC systems and proper insulation can ensure that classrooms stay within the ideal temperature range, which may lead to better academic outcomes.

Technology, such as smart thermostats, enable users to easily automate and control temperatures with the touch of a button. Schools can set the desired temperatures at specific times based on classroom schedules, holidays, and seasonal variations. This not only fosters a more optimal learning environment but also reduces energy wastage by using energy only as necessary.

The technology for this already exists. Schneider Electric’s connected room solutions take the complexity out of installation and operation, offering flexible, scalable, and modular tools that provide greater control and automation of room environments, while providing insights into energy consumption. These can make a deep environmental impact, reducing operational energy and carbon emissions by as much as 39%.

Reinvesting savings to unlock student potential

Energy-efficient buildings return heavy financial benefits. For example, The Carbon Trust saves up to 30% of heating costs just by preventing cold air from entering the building. Energy-efficient systems reduce overall consumption, which lowers utility bills and shields against future energy price increases. These systems also require less frequent maintenance, reducing repair and replacement expenses. Finally, by lowering energy use, institutions can reduce their carbon footprint.

In the United States alone, K-12 schools (primary and secondary schools) spend approximately US$8 billion annually on energy, with improved energy efficiency, they could lower operating costs by up to 30%.

Around the world, public sector budgets are increasingly stretched. Energy efficiency can provide valuable relief, freeing up funds for other things: learning materials, or investment in students’ academic or personal growth.

Making green schools a reality

While the benefits of energy-efficient school buildings are clear, the opportunity lies in implementing these solutions at scale. Retrofitting existing school buildings may be challenging due to long project approvals, costs, and lack of knowledge. However, considering 50% of buildings that will exist in 2050 already exist today,  there’s a big opportunity to make impactful improvements.

In our collective journey to Electricity 4.0 – a more digital and electric future – energy efficiency is the quickest most impactful path to reducing emissions while also delivering cost savings. As such, policymakers and decision-makers in education should be prioritizing energy efficiency in the design and renovation of school buildings. This can be achieved by promoting sustainable design practices, integrating digital energy management systems, and ensuring that there is continued investment in the right infrastructure needed to create optimal learning environments.

Investing in energy efficiency isn’t just about protecting the environment and protecting the well-being of our planet; it’s also about investing in the next generation. With students spending a significant portion of their lives in school buildings, it’s crucial that these spaces are safe, healthy, and they’re set up for success for the rest of their lives. By prioritizing energy efficiency, we not only defend our planet but the young minds who will eventually decide our future.