Inevitable Solar School: Building the Sustainable Schools of the Future, Today

The Inevitable Solar School: Building the Sustainable School of the Future, Today" explains that public and private schools and other buildings are increasingly turning to solar energy due to climate change and cost advantages. Sustainability is a widely accepted theme in school building design, and zero energy sustainable schools are being built at competitive costs. Five case studies across the U.S. demonstrate that the sustainable school of the future is already here.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2019
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Inevitable Solar School: Building the Sustainable School of the Future, Today

The adoption of solar energy in public and private schools and other buildings is driven by two major forces: the recognition of climate change and the significant cost advantage of on-site solar energy. While either of these factors alone could significantly impact the school market, their combined impact becomes formidable. Sustainability has become a widely embraced theme in school building design, encompassing various aspects such as daylight and views, indoor air quality, responsible life-cycle materials selection, and energy and water efficiency. This book emphasizes the inclusion of on-site solar energy as a critical element of sustainability, often sufficient to meet all the energy requirements of a school.

The zero energy school represents the sustainable school of the future, defying common expectations by being built at competitive costs compared to regional school cost averages. This achievement necessitates collaboration between school administrators and design and construction professionals, as well as the implementation of deliberate planning and procurement processes. Five case studies spanning the United States showcase that the sustainable school of the future is already a reality today.

Recognizing climate change and the financial benefits of on-site solar energy is crucial in shaping the future of education facilities. By integrating solar energy into school designs, we can create healthier, more sustainable learning environments that not only benefit students and teachers but also contribute to the broader sustainability movement. The zero energy school represents a significant milestone in this direction, demonstrating that sustainable building practices can be cost-effective and accessible to all.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781475844207