The average school building in the US is around 42 years old, which means it was built in the late 1970s or early 1980s. While there’s nothing wrong with old school buildings, many of them need upgrades to become more functional for the students and faculty that use them throughout the year. The following three school building improvements will make facilities better and even offer environmental benefits.
Upgrade Lighting and Windows To Save Energy and Money
Many school structures are safe but need upgrades to save energy. Environmentally friendly lighting options, such as LEDs, use less energy, release less heat, and last longer than traditional bulbs. Schools will save money on energy bills, cooling costs, and fixture replacements.
Upgrading windows can also offer energy and financial savings. New windows have strong seals that prevent energy from escaping the building and keep interior temperatures comfortable.
Improve Natural Outdoor Spaces for Students and Faculty
Outdoor spaces are technically part of school properties and play an important role in upgrades. Providing comfortable outdoor spaces for students and faculty often requires improved landscaping, which boosts the appearance of your school. If you include tall trees in a landscaping update, you can shade parts of the school building. Shade will keep the building cooler during hot summer months, which means you won’t need to run the air conditioning so frequently. Running air conditioners less saves energy and money.
Hire Asbestos Abatement Professionals To Remove Asbestos
You need to consider the building materials in the school. Many structures built in the late 1970s and early 1980s contain asbestos. Undisturbed asbestos is not as hazardous, but any plans to update the building could reveal it in ceilings, walls, and floors. If you test an area and learn that asbestos is present, call professionals for help. Then, learn the difference between asbestos abatement and remediation to determine which is better for your building. Once you handle the asbestos, the building will be safer for students and faculty.
Making facilities better in old school buildings is difficult. However, these three improvements can help you brainstorm the best upgrades to save energy and money in the long run.