In the last sustainability article, we looked at how thermal comfort and indoor air quality affect kids in schools. This week we will look and noise and daylighting, so let's delve in shall we:

Acoustics

Problem at hand:

Poor acoustics in schools can negatively affect children's health and academic performance.

I live in an area with very noisy vehicles (public transport vehicles) if it's not loud music, it's an exhaust so loud windows vibrate. Imagine how kids under such conditions learn?

What are acoustics?

In simple term it's the noise or sounds around you

What are the effects of noise on kids?

1. Hearing loss.
2. Disruption of sleep patterns and irritability. (Why do kids hate sleeping?)
3. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and Aggressiveness.
4. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
5. Higher stress responses and decreased well-being.

How does noise affect kids school performance

1. Imagine a loud rumbling noise in the background as a child is being taught how to pronounce, chances are the child will not hear properly and hence mispronounce words thus affecting language acquisition skills.
2. Statistics have shown that schools far away from noise sources perform better than schools closer to noise sources such as airports, industries or major roads.
3. For every 10dB increase in noise, language and math scores have been shown to decrease by 5.5 points ( A study amongst French student).

What is the role of green buildings in improving acoustics?

1. By locating schools in far sites away from noise sources helps in improving acoustics and use of natural ventilation thus no need for noisy HVAC systems. (LEED's Sustainable Sites Category).
2. By using proper materials and insulation in school buildings can help reduce acoustics especially in dormitories.

Daylighting and Lighting

How do you feel when crisp sun rays pierce through your bedroom or living room window? You feel happier, more alive don't you?
In the built environment lighting has two components:

• Natural lighting from windows and skylights.
• Artificial lighting provided by electric lights.

What are the effects of light on kids?

1. Due to their smaller pupils and less melatonin suppression than adults children have a higher sensitivity to light thus affecting their sleep/wake cycles and circadian rhythm.
2. Daylight exposure in children has been linked with reduced low activity time and increased weekend physical activity.
3. Every wonder why schools use daylight bulbs (whitish light with a small tint of blue from afar)? Blue spectrum LED light in the morning could make children more stimulated and alert at school compared to those exposed to dim light.

How does lighting affect kids performance in school?

1. Children working under daylight have significantly higher scores and typing errors as recorded on a computerized test for students as compat=red when artificial lighting.
2. Use of high intensity lighting has been shown to increase oral reading skills in children as compared to standard lighting conditions.
   | A US study showed an increase of 36% in oral skills as compared to 16% under standard lighting conditions.

What is the role of green buildings in improving lighting?

1. Ample daylighting reduces the need for artificial lighting thereby reducing overall energy use and carbon emissions.
2. Use of LEDs which significantly use less energy thereby reducing building energy consumption.

References

1. World Green Building Council
2. Wikipedia: Indoor Air Quality
3. EPA:Introduction to Indoor Air Quality

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