Aging Schools: A Guidebook

Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021 | Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021 | Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

A 2015 survey found 92 percent of Americans believe that the quality of public-school buildings should be improved.1 However, keeping up with the daily operations and maintenance costs of aging buildings and infrastructure is an ongoing challenge for many districts. Layer on the cost of adhering to new health and safety standards, meeting greater accessibility requirements, providing for new learning methodologies, and integrating modern technologies and already stressed school budgets break.2 This situation puts District Facility Managers in the uncomfortable position of having to do more with less.

In this paper we address common issues found in older academic buildings and identify ways to plan for and solve these issues in a way that improves building infrastructure, lowers operating costs, and mitigates financial loss.

The State of Our Schools Aging Infrastructure

Of the 132,853 K-12 schools in the United States3 the average age of a traditional public-school building is 44 years old.4 By 44 years, many original building materials, connections, systems, and equipment are failing and in need of repair or replacement.

Local Burden of Cost:

The US public school system is comprised of approximately 7.5 billion gross square feet of building footprint5 making school facilities the second largest recipient of public infrastructure spending, after highways.6 However, unlike the highway system, the federal government contributes little to no funding for the nation’s K-12 educational facilities. The burden of cost to maintain public schools therefore lies with state and local government.

The burden we have put on our country’s public schools is great.

As a partner to many school districts, we have compiled the below list of maintenance, repair, and/or renovation issues an aging school may face. They are organized into the following categories:

Building Envelope

The building envelope is subject to failure as it is exposed to constantly changing and sometimes volatile exterior conditions that undermine its purpose to maintain a consistent barrier from the outside.

Building Systems

Building systems and equipment typically have a lifespan that is a fraction of the building lifecycle. They traditionally fail first and with great consequence to building operations.

Educational Programming

It is estimated that $145 billion per year is needed for maintenance, repairs, and new construction in America’s public-school system7 while actual spending on infrastructure is estimated at $99 billion – a $46 billion shortfall.8 This deficit has many local administrators wondering how to prioritize spending and strategically plan for future costs.

Education is an evolving practice of learning and growing with advancements in pedagogy and adapting and responding to new technologies. Integrating next generation learning practices is critical to setting students up for success in a changing world.

Increased Enrollment:

A series of school shootings in the late 1990s, brought new attention to issues of school safety and security. Since then, recommendations for more secure building footprints and security technology such as electrified door hardware, cameras, and computer monitoring have been regularly integrated into school design.

In 2016, 56 million students were enrolled in either public or private elementary and secondary schools in the United States.

This enrollment number represents a 3 percent increase from the fall of 2003 and is projected to increase 2 percent more by the fall of 2028 - adding 1.12 million students into the U.S. school system.9,10 This increase in student population will put additional strain on our aging school infrastructure and exacerbate existing challenges when balancing school budgets.

Public Health Impact:

Research shows that a student’s physical environment — noise, air quality, light, and other structural factors — correlates to student achievement.11 Improving facilities reduces truancy and suspensions, improves staff satisfaction and retention, and raises property values.12 ‘Green’ buildings are shown to have higher performance on cognitive function test measuring Basic Acuity Level, Applied Activity Level, Focused Activity Level, etc.13

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

Safety and Security

Understanding the above factors that influence the longevity of a school building and its role to provide a safe, comfortable, and fruitful learning environment is critical to the prioritization of work and community budget allocation.

Building Envelope Buildings require maintenance no matter how well they were originally designed or constructed. Good design and construction can help differ problems, but routine maintenance is essential is keeping a building from deteriorating to the point where costly replacement or repairs are required. Maintenance can prolong the life of a building and reduce the effect of the forces that will deteriorate the building’s exterior.

The primary components of a building which begin to show wear in aging buildings include the walls, doors, windows, and roofs.

The exterior of the building is often referred to as the building envelope or building enclosure.

For a building’s mechanical system (the equipment that heats, cools, and provides fresh air to the inside of the building) to operate efficiently and effectively, the building enclosure must function as was designed. This means the building enclosure must keep unwanted air and water out. Moisture can come not only from the outside of the building but from the interior as well. Unwanted moisture and air may arrive in the form of rain, snow, sleet and ice along with driving wind. It can also come from people inside the building, cooking, showers, etc. Stains on the ceiling or walls may come from exterior leaks, but also from interior moisture and condensation. Moisture laden air condenses on a cold surface, like the water on the outside of your cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. Breaches in the building’s enclosure may allow warm moist air from the interior to encounter cold air from the outside.

The climate in Ohio has seasonal changes which pose more challenges by changing the way moisture laden air pushes on the building enclosure (vapor drive). The vapor drive may be from the interior or from the exterior depending on the season.

In most buildings the moisture laden air should be expelled to the exterior by the mechanical ventilation system. Sometimes the moisture laden air will move until it finds a crack or opening where it can move toward the exterior of the building (movement is from highest to lowest concentration). Condensation alone causes millions of dollars in damage to buildings every year which is the reason filling even the smallest hole in the exterior can save a lot of money in future repairs.

Masonry Walls

Buildings built before 1972 tend to have solid masonry walls or barrier wall systems. Buildings constructed later than 1972 tend to have masonry walls that are constructed as a cavity wall

system. The cavity wall system was developed in response to the Oil embargo of the early 1970’s to help conserve energy. It integrates a layer of insulation within the assembly to better shield the interior conditioned environment from outside temperature or draft.

Solid masonry walls or barrier walls are typically several layers (wyths) of masonry units, typically brick, and are usually joined by a brick header course that will connect the different layers of masonry. In some cases, the wyths of masonry are joined by metal ties. When metal ties were used in older buildings, movement of the exterior veneer is common.

A cavity wall is a layered structure with masonry on the outside, with an air space, insulation, and a back-up wall either a concrete masonry unit or metal stud framing with sheathing. Insulation is typically installed between the framing and vapor retarder (depending on building wrap used).

Control and Expansion Joints

Masonry walls may be constructed with many different types of components, such as concrete masonry, brick, stone, manufactured stone, and others. Each of these systems should have control or expansion joints depending on the system in place. Brick masonry expands and concrete masonry contracts as it continues to dry over time. Both control and expansion joints require sealant or caulking that will allow the masonry to move while keeping moisture out of the joint. These joints need replacement every five to ten years, as they erode and break down overtime and exposure. Caulking joints in masonry is not limited to just controls or expansion joints. Joints in masonry include all joints between dissimilar materials such as metal and masonry.

Assessment of masonry joints is recommended on a yearly basis since the sealant is usually the first line of defense in the exterior wall system.

Masonry Erosion

The erosion of masonry usually takes place in areas where a significant amount of water travels over the surface of the units for an extended period. The constant exposure to moving water can wear the surface of the masonry away. In the case of kiln fired bricks, when the softer interior of the brick is exposed this can accelerate water infiltration and further deterioration of the unit. Wet marks on a masonry wall can be a sign that something is wrong with the way water is flowing over the building, possibly in an uncontrolled manner. This could be the result of clogged gutters or roof drains.

Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools Roof Replacement Amanda, OH

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Copings Vontz Center for Molecular Studies Exterior Envelope Improvements Cincinnati, OH

Masonry copings or just copings in general can take many forms.

These include clay tile, stone, concrete masonry units and metal.

All of these have joints between sections of the coping. These joints can allow movement between the sections of coping and should also keep water out of the parapet walls. The part of the joint that often requires replacement is the skyward facing portion as it is most directly exposed to the weather.

The recommendation for all skyward joints in masonry is to first fill the joint with mortar to a point that will still allow backer rod and caulking to seal the outer most portion of the joint. This is preferred to completely filling the joint with mortal due to the sealants ability to shed water. Mortar will absorb more water than caulking.

Metal copings have joints that have either a back-up plate or a cover plate which is sealed with caulking. These too will need to be re-caulked at some point. Metal coping sometimes bow in the middle which allows water to collect on top of the coping. This collected water can cause problems allowing water to penetrate under the coping at the joints. Fixing the ponding water on the coping may require something more than routine maintenance.

A skilled roofing contractor is recommended to address the potential problem.

Cornices

Cornices are bands, usually masonry but can be many other materials such as fiber reinforced plastic, that run along the elevation of the building dividing the façade into sections. A cornice typically has a skyward facing joint, like copings.

These skyward facing joints should be assessed on a regular basis and resealed or re-caulked before they allow water to enter the wall system. If the cornices are covered with metal, as is recommended, their routine maintenance can be greatly reduced.

Roofing

Spalled Brick and Efflorescence

Spalling of brick masonry units, can also indicate that moisture is getting behind the brick and into the wall. When this occurs, water freezes and expands in the brick pushing the harder face of the masonry unit out and away. This in turn exposes the softer interior of the masonry to the exterior elements which can accelerate deterioration.

Efflorescence on the surface of the masonry can also indicate water within the masonry wall. Efflorescence typically looks whitish or brown in color and often presents as a powder on the surface of the masonry. This efflorescence can be the salts in the mortar and the masonry unit leaching out of the wall due to the persistent presence of water.

Water in the masonry walls is not typically a problem if it has a way of drying out or draining out. Problems occur when the walls remain wet and are not allowed to dry.

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

Roofing is the building exterior component that is most often replaced at a 20- or 30-year interval depending on the materials used, weather, traffic on the roof, etc. In general, the more traffic that is allowed on the roof, the shorter the lifespan of the roof. This is due to the wear and tear the roof sustains when people are on the roof. Damage can be caused by repair people dropping tools, toolboxes, access panels, and screws on the roof surface. It is recommended that the roof be assessed and checked for holes after a repair person has been on the roof repairing an HVAC unit or working on electric devices.

Sometimes electrical junction boxes are left open allowing water to enter the building through the open box and the electrical conduit.

Keeping the roof clear of debris is essential. Decaying leaves, pine needles and dirt run-off can all contribute to ponding water and clogged gutters and downspouts. The risk of water pouring into the interior of the building increases in areas where water is ponding. Ponding water freezing and thawing during colder months can cause extensive roof damage and reducing the life of the roof system.

HVAC Units on the Roof

Roof mounted mechanical units can also be the source of water infiltration. Large mechanical units have pans under the unit designed to keep water out of the interior of the building by catching and draining the water to the outside of the unit. These pans can develop holes over time allowing water to drain into the building masquerading as a roof leak. An assessment of the condition of HVAC units and pans are recommended on a yearly basis.

Single Ply Membranes

Single ply membranes come in several different material types including EPDM, PVC, and TPO which are the industry standard systems for flat roof. The membranes come in several different thickness and also include fleece back (felt is attached to the back or matting surface of the membrane) which increases the membranes puncture resistance. Attachment methods vary but typically they are either fully adhered (the membrane is glued to the insulation which is attached to the structure of the roof) or mechanically attached (both the roof membrane and insulation is attached at the seams in the membrane). Another method that has fallen out of favor is a ballasted system which utilizes rocks to keep the membrane in place. Fully adhered, mechanically attached, and ballasted systems all have variations in attachment methods that range from Velcro to concrete pavers.

Each system has its advantages and disadvantages including the ability to routinely check for problems. Fully adhered systems are the easiest to assess and see problems since all the seams are exposed. Ballasted systems are the most difficult because the seams are covered by stones or pavers which must be moved to see the membrane underneath. When assessing this roof, you want to look for open seams or seams that are beginning to open, holes, cuts, etc. In the case of a fully adhere system, loose areas of membrane, soft insulation, or fasteners backing out of the system all indicate underlying issues. All these items could be the result of water entering the system.

Most warranties will not cover repairs that are not causing water to leak inside of the building, nor do they cover preventive maintenance to the system. For example, if a seam is starting to open, the manufacturer will not typically come and repair the seam until it is leaking. Unfortunately, the preventative measures fall on the owner to perform. If the seams are failing and water is not entering the system, it is recommended that the owner hire a roofing contractor to make the preventative repairs.

It should be noted that if the roof system is under warranty, a roofing contractor certified by the manufacturer of the roofing system is required to make the repair. If the contractor is not certified by the roofing manufacturer, the owner can run the risk of voiding the warranty.

Shingle Roofs

A shingle roof is most used in the residential market but may be used on a school roof. A shingle system may be used because of the ease of installation and low price when compared to other roofing systems. It is also the system that requires little

Before

maintenance. Assessment of the system and its drainage components (gutters and down spouts) is recommended on a biannual basis. Things to look for are nails that have pushed through the shingle, loss of granules, and shingles not adhered or that move in the wind. Shingles that move when the wind blows can come off the roof exposing the underlayment and ultimately leak. Reattaching shingles using adhesive will prolong their service life.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofing comes in a variety of types. The most common are standing seam roofs. This system is made up of metal pans that are joined together with seams that are raised or stand above the main surface of the roof. In the seam, a metal clip is placed that hooks the pan and holds it down to the roof deck with screws. The seam of metal is folded once or twice to keep water out of the joint and to tighten the hold of the clip. There are also variations on the seaming and panel joining process that range from snap lock panels to batten seams to soldered seams.

The assessment of this roof system usually centers on the adjacent drainage system of gutters and down spouts making sure they are free of debris and are draining. Transverse seams or head laps tend to leak in metal roof systems and these areas should be assessed on a regular basis. Metal roofs require a low amount of maintenance due to the longevity of the material and configuration.

Built Up Roofs

Built up roofs or BUR can come is a variety of system types and materials but share common manifestations of problems. BURs are made up of typically more than one layer or ply. As with most roof systems that are asphalt based, UV or sun light is the enemy. UV rays break down asphalt causing its oils to evaporate and making the surface of the roof brittle. Asphalt is commonly protected using granules, metal foil, stone ballast or coatings.

When assessing these systems, attention should be paid to the covering materials listed above. The more homogeneous and complete the covering, the better condition the system should be in. Other problems associated with BURs include open seams, exposed roofing felts or visible fiber glass matt used in the creation of the sheets in the system, blisters under the system (air pockets caused by trapped water between the roofing system plys turning into a steam). Blisters could rupture exposing the interior of the system to additional water infiltration. BURs in general can handle high walking traffic better than single ply membranes due to the thickness of the membrane and the stone granules.

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Windows

Windows come in a variety of frame materials and glazing types from wood or fiberglass, to single, double and triple pane glass.

Modern windows may also include low-e or argon fill glazing units that help save on energy loss.

Windows can be lumped into two categories, fixed and operable.

There is more than one type of operable window but for this paper we will discuss maintenance that will apply to all operable types. Fixed windows have no moving parts and cannot be opened. This type of window will require much less maintenance since there are no moving parts to fail and replace. For the sake of brevity, this category would also include skylights.

Aging operable windows tend to leak air due to failing seals at the moving portions of the windows. These seals are typically made from neoprene, silicone, or EPDM which becomes brittle over time. Frequency of use can also wear down seals resulting in drafty windows. These seals should be checked on a regular basis and all moving parts lubricated (such as jambs and latches) unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Not replacing the seals of the windows will mean more air infiltration along with water, possibly causing additional long-term problems like damaged drywall or floors. Cloudy glazing units can indicate the glazing unit has a broken seal and may need repair or replacement.

The caulking around the windows should also be checked along with the weep holes at the bottom of the window. The caulking should be intact with no separations from either the perimeter of the window or the exterior cladding or trim. Weep holes should be open and clear of debris. Newer windows will have weep holes while older wood windows will not. Wood windows should also be checked for peeling paint and rotting wood.

Doors

The doors to a building usually require the most maintenance of any exterior building component - especially if they are made from wood. Wood doors tend to swell when the humidity is high which can make the door hard to open and close. The hinges and locks of doors require periodic lubrication along with adjustment of the closers. As with other building components, frequency of use will also increase the maintenance and replacement interval. The more complicated the component, the more often it will need to be replaced. The most complicated element on the exterior door is the door closer. The door itself will last the longest with usually a ten-to-fifteen-year life cycle. This lifespan will be shorter if the door is not covered, protected by a roof or in a recessed entry. The hardware on the door is usually replaced more often with closers being replaced most often. Door hardware should be replaced within the five-to-ten-year period, but again this timeline depends on the frequency of use.

The recent trend in construction has been to build quickly and cheaply. The driving force for this has been cost. The cost of materials and more recently the cost and lack of skilled labor has driven changes in the materials used in the construction industry. Construction goods suppliers have sought new materials, manufacturing, and construction techniques to be able to build faster and smarter. Most materials used in new buildings are produced from a complex set of elements bound together on a temporary basis for ease of construction.

All matter breaks down over time and all buildings require periodic maintenance. The structures that surround us today are no exception to that laws of nature and physics. Some building materials are more durable than others, like stone and steel, but

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

unfortunately the days of structures lasting thousands of years, like the Egyptian pyramids and Roman cathedrals, is over. Most of the structures erected today have a life expectancy of less than 100 years. Therefore, preventive maintenance of buildings and their systems has become more important than ever.

Building Systems Building systems are designed to provide comfort and connectivity to building inhabitants. Heating, cooling, plumbing, electric power, fire alarm and fire suppression (sprinkler) systems, and communications (including computer networks, phones, or intercoms) are all required systems within a school building. Building systems are responsible for a large proportion of building operating costs. Therefore, their design, performance, maintenance, and timely replacement is of utmost importance to District Facility Managers.

Equipment Replacement

Equipment and equipment components have operation lifespans.

It is best to plan for the replacement of equipment prior to failure to minimize downtime on long lead times, and emergency service surcharges. Regular maintenance of equipment helps keep facility managers aware of the functionality and likely remaining lifespan of aging equipment.

Often the replacement of equipment requires long periods of system shutdown, so is best planned for the summer months when class is not in session. This requires annual assessment and coordination of services.

Air Handling Units (AHU)

Air Handling Units (AHU) regulate and circulate through large building areas. Factors such as size, usage, and maintenance history impact the lifespan of an AHU, but on average they should last approximately 25 years. They are expensive to replace, therefore require careful planning and long-term financial budgeting. Signs an AHU may be nearing end of life include failure to maintain set temperature, decreased fan pressure, moisture leakage at the bottom of the unit, or odd noises caused from failing components.

AHUs vary greatly in size, so projected expense is best calculated as a function of CFM. CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is how much air the AHU’s fan moves – put simply, the larger the space to be conditioned, the greater the CFM required. A typical AHU replacement will cost approximately $7.50/CFM. When replacing an AHU, it is important to fully understand how the new unit will fit in the space, as they are large and heavy pieces of equipment. They are often located on the roof or in a mechanical room, as they require a large footprint and clearance around for routine maintenance. If scaling up in size, structural calculations may be required to validate the existing building is prepared to assume the additional weight load. Also, because the fans within AHUs use significant energy, it is also important to validate that the existing electrical capacity of the building is sufficient to service the new AHU.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps in schools are typically used to heat and cool smaller areas, such as a classroom or office suite. They are sized by the square footage they are expected to serve. A one-ton heat pump can condition approximately 400 square feet whereas a 2,000-square-foot space would require a fiveton unit.

Summerside Elementary School Mechanical Room Cincinnati, OH

Heat pumps require more regular maintenance than an AHU as the compressors within a heat pump go bad and need to be replaced about every five years. The unit itself has a lifespan of anywhere between ten and 20 years, depending on factors such as size, usage, and maintenance history.

Signs a heat pump may be nearing end of life include inconsistent heat supply across service area, noises coming from unit suggesting worn down components, or rising energy consumption in the form of higher utility bills.

Where the heat pump is mounted is important, as ceiling mounted heat pumps are generally harder to access and therefore maintain. The cost for a heat pump also varies greatly by size of capacity, so cost is best estimated as a function of CFM. At $4/CFM heat pumps are almost half as expensive as AHU but require more maintenance throughout a shorter lifespan.

Steam Boilers

Older facilities may still have steam boilers serving their heating needs. Steam boilers are problematic as they heat up quickly, but often overshoot temperature settings and make controlling room temperature difficult. The average life expectancy of a steam boiler is 20 to 30 years, given proper care and maintenance. Signs a steam boiler may be nearing end of life include increased fuel consumption due to scale build up on boiler heat transfer surface or failure to maintain pressure due to Dissolved Oxygen (O2) Pitting Corrosion within the system.

At the end of useful life, replacement of steam boilers with a modern high efficiency hot water boiler is recommended.

Hot Water Boilers

Typical boilers last between 25 and 30 years and tankless approximately 20 years with regular maintenance of the system. Hot water boilers are expensive to replace, therefore require thorough planning and long-term financial budgeting. The cost of a replacing a hot water boiler varies significantly based on the type, efficiency rating, and capacity of the boiler; prices can be as low as $2,000 to as high as $50,000.

Signs a hot water boiler may be nearing end of life include inability to keep to set temperature, increased energy usage, improper fuel burn (visible by yellowed flames on gas burners or black soot on oil boilers), or water leaking from the unit.

The technology within hot water boilers has evolved significantly in the last twenty years. New modern high efficiency models are smaller and more effective. Modular boilers allow for smaller individual units to gang together as a system. For example, a building may have three 2 million BTU modular boilers instead of one 6 million BTU large boiler. This strategy allows for redundancy within the system (if one fails, there are others to help manage load deficit) and allows for staged repair and maintenance of the system.

New boilers require outside combustion air intake and exhaust venting directly to the outside. Accommodating this new connection may be challenging in an existing facility.

The location of the existing boiler (and its gas supply) in relation to an outside wall is a key factor when considering pathways for venting code requirements. Additionally, older boilers have big round vent stacks, while new boiler vents are much smaller. Retrofitting the larger vent stack to receive a smaller vent is problematic and may require additional work to the building envelope to ensure a proper connection.

Chillers

A chiller is a machine that removes heat from liquidproviding cold water to a facility. They are expensive and replacement is disruptive to building function as chilled water will not be available to the facility during work.

Chillers are also large pieces of equipment, requiring ample space and clearance around. The replacement of a chiller requires accurate sizing, thorough planning, and long-term financial budgeting.

The average life span of a chiller is approximately 15 to 20 years based on the chiller’s location and maintenance history. The cost of replacement varies greatly based on type and capacity. Air-cooled chillers are limited in size to 500 tons of capacity, whereas water-cooled chillers range to almost 9,000 tons. An air-cooled chiller costs approximately $700 per ton below 150 tons and $450 per ton above 150-ton capacity. Water cooled chiller units are cheaper at around $400 per ton below 400 tons and $300 per ton beyond 400 tons, however, water cooled chillers have higher capital investment than air cooled chillers because of additional infrastructure requirements.

Air-cooled chillers are preferred to be water-cooled in schools because air-cooled systems have improved performance, adequate capacity, minimal maintenance requirement, and a smaller footprint. Water-cooled chillers may require a storage tanks in which unhealthy microbes

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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can grow. To prevent microbial growth, the water needs to be regularly treated with chemicals – a process that puts burden on maintenance staff.

Chillers may be installed inside or outside of a building.

They are large pieces of equipment and require clearance around for routine maintenance. When positioning a unit, it is important to consider space requirements and the level of sound that comes from a chiller’s compressor.

Often, because of limited indoor space and need for quiet in classrooms, chillers are placed outside and away from instructional wings.

Pumps

The pump for a hot water boiler or chiller may age out before the life span of the equipment itself. The replacement of a pump has the potential to significantly extend the usable life of a system. When replacing a pump, it is important to consider the size and performance requirements of the equipment it serves. The average life span of a pump is approximately 10 years, depending on type, size, usage, and maintenance history.

Water Heaters

The life expectancy of a water heater is approximately 10 years with efficient models lasting up to 20 years or longer depending on type, maintenance, and use. Current efficiency standards require a recirculating system with a tank type if pipe runs more than 50’ from hot water heater. If the existing system does not have a recirculating system, the introduction of one will create significant long-term energy and cost savings.

There are two type of systems: tank and tankless (aka instantaneous). Tankless requires greater electric capacity than tank, so utility power supply and local usage rates may inform which type of system a school district would prefer.

Tankless systems pipe just cold water – not hot water around the building. Requiring half the pipe of a traditional tank system, the tankless system has a lower upfront cost of infrastructure in a new build or full system replacement.

Instead of circulating hot water from a main heater, each water fixture throughout the building has a small (approximately 12” square and 4” deep) heater mounted at its source.

A tankless system does not store water, so waterborne diseases such as legionella are not an issue. This is important for water sources servicing immunocompromised individuals, such as in a special needs setting.

Piping

Supply pipes within a school are under constant pressure and use. They too have a lifespan that roughly follows the below chronology: Copper: 50 years or more; Steel: 20-50 years; Brass: 40-70 years. Drainpipes are often constructed of PVC and have an indefinite lifespan; however older buildings may still have iron drainpipes which do start to fail after 75+ years. Hot pipes tend to fail before cold due to sediment build up and corrosion. Similarly, steam condensate pipes tend to fail before steam piping.

Plumbing Connections and Fixtures

In the last forty years there has been advancement in the field of plumbing fixtures. Newer faucets, water closets and urinals require less water and thereby save on utility costs.

Additionally, advancements in pipe connections, insulation,

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

and sealant measures prevent the loss of heat and energy moving to and from fixtures. Some older buildings may still have lead pipes or lead joints causing potential for contamination of water source.

Lights

The transition from florescent to LED lights is perhaps the most transformative from an operational cost vantage point.

Trading out florescent for LED pays for itself in less than two years with reduced electrical operating costs. This initial investment pays dividends for the remaining future of the building’s usable life. Additionally, incorporating sensors into lights allows for responsive lighting controls, ensuring lights are only used when a space is occupied – cutting down on waste and unnecessary expense.

Cleaning Ducts Systems

Cleaning ducts is recommended when there is believed to be mold growth within the system, ducts are infested with vermin, or when ducts are clogged or releasing dust and debris.

However, it is not necessary to clean ducts routinely. Regularly cleaning heating and cooling system components (e.g., cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers) is shown to improve the efficiency of a system, resulting in a longer operating life, as well as some energy and maintenance cost savings.14

Temperature Controls

Older buildings are pneumatic, but most new are electronic.

Pneumatic are more prone to failure due to tubing air leakage.

Replacement pneumatic tubes are sometimes difficult to source.

Electronic controls are generally more accurate.

Building Automation Systems

Controlling building systems from a central automated program allows Facility Managers the power to examine building performance and plan for efficient energy usage. A Building Automation System (BAS) helps manage the performance and regulate the usage of the following equipment: - AHU - Boilers - Chillers - Pumps - Distribution system - VAV boxes - Lights - Blinds - Thermostats

School buildings have set schedules for operations with inhabitants arriving for the school day at 7am and leaving by 4pm. However, there may be portions of a school that stay open later for night classes, basketball games, or town meetings.

Rather than having to turn each light and heating source on and off to accommodate unique schedules, a BAS could be zoned to ensure the after-hour spaces are powered and conditioned while the traditional vacant spaces are not using unneeded energy. Some of the elements a BAS system can control include temperature set point, outdoor air intake, lights on and off, building ‘on’ and ‘off’ modes.

Electric Equipment

Electrical equipment such as switchgear and panelboards may get to the age where replacement of equipment is not possible to find and new is required to maintain service and operations.

Building systems work tirelessly year-round to condition and provide service to the school building and its inhabitants.

Regular maintenance and assessment of building systems is critical to the operations of an aging school building.

Preventative maintenance is recommended due to the critical function of academic buildings – failure of a boiler during a cold winter would force a school to close until the appropriate part or replacement equipment was available. Such critical functions should be assessed annually and replaced in summer months when school operations and functions are minimal.

In addition to routine maintenance, new building systems technologies, such as LED lights, daylight harvesting control measures, or high efficiency water fixtures, provide opportunities for energy conservation and cost savings. The initial cost of an efficiency related renovation may be recouped within a few years and significantly decrease annual operations budget. Additionally, as technology has evolved, many schools lack the electrical infrastructure to support the multiple devices per user that can be typical in a school setting.

Notre Dame Academy Park Hills, KY

West Clermont High School Cincinnati, OH

Educational Programming The field of education has evolved in the last several decades with new research into how and where children learn, advancements in and democratization of technology, improved understanding of the importance of both intellectual and emotional intelligence development, and a reinvigorated focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum. Traditional classrooms that were once configured with rows of desks, shelves of textbooks, and a blackboard at the front are now being asked to serve as multi-functional studios with smart boards and the ability to support both new technologies and strategies for learning. The field of education has changed, and our schools must adapt.

Integrating next generation learning practices is critical to setting students up for success in a changing world. When planning a renovation or new school, we ask teachers, parents, and administrators to not look back at how to improve upon the school of the past, but to instead vision a future state of learning. How might a school of the future operate? And then, how might we design it to foster that operation? Only by envisioning the potential of the future state can we best prepare our students for the future. By planning for adaptable environments, schools are able to pivot to foster the skill development critical for student’s future success.

Clifton Neighborhood School Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Cincinnati, OH

Agility / Flexible in Learning Environment

Although we know the future is ahead, we can only guess at what it might look like. When we design or renovate a school, we expect it to last for fifty to one-hundred years. With this expectation, the best way we can design for the future is by creating flexible, adaptable, and agile learning environments.

Through thoughtful planning, the design of a classroom can be both a heads down quiet space one hour and an active laboratory the next. Furniture and equipment that may be reconfigured throughout the day, extra outlets, and high-speed Wi-Fi building-wide allow the physical classroom to shift and respond to curriculum needs.

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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Eight Intelligences

In the 1980s, the concept of multiple intelligences was popularized by Dr. Howard Gardner, Developmental Psychology Researcher and Professor. In his book, “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences,” Gardner introduced eight different types of intelligences consisting of: Linguistic, Logical/ Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist. The concept that each person has eight levels of intelligence and opportunities to learn shifted the traditional educational pedagogy to reexamine itself and explore curriculum that may foster growth in each unique discipline. Today, with the rise of charter schools and ‘schools within schools’, students may be given the opportunity to choose to focus on bolstering a particular intelligence such as math, language, music, or nature. This tailored curriculum is a trend both in the US and abroad that is expected to continue as professions become more specialized. This concept of studentdriven curriculum development encourages the notion that students can be ‘creators’ of their educational experience not just ‘consumers’ of it.

Incidental Learning

Within the traditional school day, there are many opportunities for students to learn both within and outside of the classroom.

The moments students learn away from the classroom and outside of the teachers’ plans, is referred to as ‘incidental learning’. Incidental learning often happens in the auxiliary spaces of a school such as the cafeteria, hallway, stairwell, or playground. These spaces, therefore, are opportunities to coordinate or choreograph meaningful learning opportunities.

When a high school hallway has a relief in a line of lockers that is infilled with a bench, it becomes a location for students to have a small group meeting at lunch away from the noise of the cafeteria – or an opportunity for incidental learning. When planning for incidental learning by integrating such moments throughout a campus, an atmosphere of ubiquitous learning is sewn. Creating incidental learning opportunities that are intentional and well-planned bolsters the richness of students’ ‘social education.’

Blended Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced concepts of blended and remote learning into many US school districts in 2020. The premise of blended learning is that certain styles of education are better suited for certain physical or virtual environments.

A lecture that can be recorded may be best watched in privacy at home, while group activities that require multiple student

collaboration or hands-on experiments are best completed in school. Utilizing the time spent at home to build knowledge and time in school to apply knowledge extends the period of learning across the day and demonstrates that learning can happen anywhere.

Additionally, a blend of in-person and remote learning allows for a more inclusive environment for students who are unable to attend full time in person due to immunity concerns, physical handicap, or challenging transportation logistics. Blended learning allows for education to occur in any place with the appropriate infrastructure and curriculum.

Tailored Learning

In line with the above ideas that each student had a unique profile of learning strengths and new technologies allowing for more flexible modes of learning, many districts are looking at how to provide student tailored curriculums. Rather than grouping students simply by age, students may be grouped by interest or ability. Perhaps a student has excelled in one discipline and needs more challenging curriculum while another is falling behind, creating small groups or individual work plans tailored to each student ensures every student is engaged and learning at their level.

Because one teacher cannot present multiple levels of lesson simultaneously, the role of the teacher may shift from instructor to facilitator. Principles of concepts may be introduced to all, followed by tailored assignments targeting leveled concepts to small groups or individuals. The teacher then floats between levels to answer questions or troubleshoot issues, giving students the autonomy to learn independently.

Cafetorium

Having an agile or flexible school is not just about furniture, but also about designing spaces to do more. Rather than having a cafeteria that sits idle for many hours a day and an auditorium that is used on occasion, a trend in school planning is to merge the two spaces into one large ‘cafetorium’. This new room typology eliminates the redundancy of two large, rarely used spaces while creating one highly engaging and diversely programmable space for gatherings. By melding the two through thoughtful design, space is freed up for other more modern curriculum like laboratories or incidental learning areas.

Willowville Elementary School Cafetorium Cincinnati, OH

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

Library of the Future

Archbishop Moeller High School Maker Space Cincinnati, OH

The era of a library as a quiet space with shelves of books and card catalogues is over. With the advent of the high-speed internet, access to information is now through the computer.

With many students issued a personal device, the role of the library as a central location in which to gather information has been dispersed across hundreds or thousands of individual devices. In lieu of traditional libraries, schools are embracing media centers which become a destination for heads down work corals, small group meetings, utilization of unique computers or equipment (smart boards or cameras), or computer software (video editing, design, drafting, animation, or coding software).

In some schools, the media center may become more of a media laboratory with spaces for audio, video, and photo content creation, editing and delivery centered curriculum. A media laboratory might have, unique power, light, sounds and darkroom facilities, rows of computers for digital editing, or storage for rentable equipment.

Elder High School Innovation Lab Cincinnati, OH

Laboratories

The tech boom within the last decade has highlighted the breakneck pace at which the US economy is growing and blurring our understanding of what the future job force will require.

Because the pace of technology suggests many of the jobs available to students in the coming decades do not currently exist, we can only prepare students with the general skill of critical thought and not for any one role. It is in the exploration, evaluation, and testing - or scientific method – that students learn the foundation from which original ideas and information develop. For these reasons, laboratories have taken front stage in school design efforts:

S.T.E.A.M Labs

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (S.T.E.A.M) laboratories are popping up across high schools around the country. They introduce a new space that is an amalgamation between a traditional ‘shop’ and ‘science’ lab space, a location for hands on learning that addresses the growing fields of engineering and robotics within the global economy. Often requiring several hundred square feet within a building, S.T.E.A.M labs may have large expansive open space, modular and movable tables, specialty equipment such as welders or saws, ample electric power, and good internet bandwidth. Some may require tall ceilings or more durable (concrete) floors for larger and heavier installations.

The characteristics of the room are less important than the curriculum taught within and equipment available for experimentation. There is no doubt that these rooms are becoming a critical piece of any next generation education strategy.

Innovation Labs

Similar to S.T.E.A.M labs, innovation labs also seek to introduce students to a future forward curriculum but with a focus on technology, computer software, and coding.

These laboratories are the next generation of computer lab where students are engaged in learning coding languages, application development, and/or virtual reality design.

An Innovation lab may be a typical classroom in size with tables of computers or tablets, ample electric power, and significant internet bandwidth. Like S.T.E.A.M labs, the most important characteristic of the lab has less to do with the physical space as it does with the lessons and curriculum taught. Hiring a teacher fluent in computer software engineering to develop curriculum and teach students complex material is a key component to the success of the lab.

Maker Space

Next generation laboratories at the elementary level are known as Maker Spaces, as they may have a myriad of material, equipment, or tools to create. Basic concepts of the scientific method are developed in these laboratories where students are asked to design, create, and test different inventions. It too may be an adapted classroom with worktables and storage for building components such as blocks, Legos, K’NEX, or circuitry. There may also be space for unique equipment such as a wind tunnel or 3-D printer.

Again, the success of a maker space is the dedication of a teacher to build a curriculum and use the space to encourage meaningful critical thinking development.

It is important to fully understand the types of equipment chosen to be in any laboratory and their unique features. For instance, many 3-D printers burn plastic and, as a result, produce a noxious odor. Wood working equipment such as computer numerical control (CNC) machines will produce sawdust and smells of burning wood. In both scenarios, special design considerations for fume and particle waste that results from ‘making’ should be thoughtfully managed.

Many computer labs are designed backwards, with the teacher and board in the front of the class and students hidden behind computer monitors. This configuration does not allow the teacher to see the work being done on the screen. Instead, computer heavy classrooms or laboratories should have the teacher at the back of the room and students on a swivel chair to allow the teacher to have full visibility of students’ screens.

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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Technology

A critical piece to delivering blended learning modules, facilitating computer work, or connecting to the internet for research or content is technology. There are many layers of technology to consider in the realm of education, including the building and community infrastructure, access and comfort using computers or tablets, and also the level of interconnectivity between technology and the physical classroom.

Infrastructure

For a school community to be connected via a central digital platform there must be a supportive infrastructure of power and internet bandwidth. As the number of equipment and fixtures within our schools increase, schools require more substantive power feeds. Racks of tablets charging in each classroom or rows of laboratory computers demand more electrical power than ever. Similarly, as our society becomes increasingly connected and the Internet of Things (IoT) evolves, we see greater demand on internet feeds. In the older grades, each student may have a personal cell phone, tablet, and laptop all connected to Wi-Fi. Three continual data pulls per person across a busy 1,000-person campus is a huge demand for any local service provider to deliver a school network and maintain seamless functionality and productivity.

Today schools require larger central power and data feeds and Wi-Fi mesh networks with beacons positioned at regular increments and at least one connectivity point outside every classroom door.

Student Technology (Hardware and Software)

Whether a school uses Chrome Books, iPads, or Microsoft Surface, student access to a personal device has become a critical component to any next generation education strategy. Along with providing such devices comes the requirement for a Technology Manager, or a person charged with the implementation of the tech devices across the school. The Technology Manager may need an office and/ or storage area to keep, repair, or troubleshoot technology equipment and software. Classrooms may require racks for charging between use and sometimes a location within or on a desk to store a device.

Many digital educational platforms exist today, with most hosted on a cloud platform. Cloud access and availability is dependent upon the size of the bandwidth servicing the school; thus, the infrastructure component is vital to connectivity success. However, a school may choose to host a platform or portions of a network on a local server. In this case the Technology Manager and Information Technology Manager would collaborate on the types of data storage, feeds, and power required and a room could be engineered to accommodate such data traffic. For older students, hosting a server within the school may create a valuable technology focused teaching opportunity.

room. This addition to the classroom technology lessens teacher vocal fatigue and better engages with students at the periphery of a room.

Although there is no crystal ball to see the future, the sectors of the economy projected to have the greatest levels of growth in the coming decades are engineering and technology. Any school will need to invest in integrating next generation learning practices to set students up for success in this changing world.

We are at a transformative juncture in educational delivery in that preparing students for jobs of the future requires creative visioning and innovative thinking.

Safety and Security Concerns regarding school safety and security have been on the rise in the last few decades in response to several high-profile school shootings. While school shootings remain a concern, schools face many other different and smaller threats to student and teacher safety daily. Today, schools are designed with a more secure building footprint to minimize the potential for violent people penetrating its halls and new security technology such as electrified door hardware, cameras, and computer monitoring is commonly integrated into school infrastructure.

Secure Vestibule

The entry sequence of a school is particularly important to maintaining control over people entering and exiting a school. If a school is to maintain a protected and secure space for learning, violent or potentially dangerous people must be appropriately screened and prevented entry. This level of security is achieved through the design of a secure entry vestibule that has electrified door locks, security cameras, and an intercom system. To gain access to the inside of the school, visitors must wait in the vestibule for an administrator to remotely unlock the inside set of doors. All other egress doors around the perimeter of the school should be locked. This strategy gives school administrators absolute control over who enters the building.

New schools are designed with the main office and administrative functions located at the front entry. This positioning keeps visitors at a distance from students and, preferably, in a zone that may be secured, or locked down, if an incidence were to arise.

Classroom Tech

Technology within the classroom has also made strides in the last decade to better engage students and augment the traditional classroom environment. Smart board or interactive projectors allow for internet videos to stream via projector or a teachers’ handwriting to be projected onto the board. Photos of the board can be taken and shared digitally. Sound reinforcement systems are available to augment the acoustic performance of a room by providing a teacher a wearable microphone and locating speakers (also tied to a network loudspeaker system) throughout the

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

West Clermont High School Security Vestibule Cincinnati, OH

Sensor Access

Locking all perimeter doors in a manner that maintains life safety egress requirements involves specialty door hardware that is both electrified and tied into a programmable security system.

In case of an emergency, door hardware must allow for egress out of the building without obstacle. Entry in via a back or side door, however, would require badge access to manage who and when guests enter the building. This is achieved through a remote sensor system. Electrified and smart sensors (fobs, key cards, or keypad readers) are installed at every door and door hardware is electrified to unlock or open a door when signaled.

Digital remote access systems allow for specific programming to permit entry for specific people, for specific doors, and for specific hours or days. If lost, the sensor is simply deactivated.

This removes the need to have to re-key doors when a traditional master key is lost.

Site Circulation

Many older school campuses are designed with intermingling pedestrian, car, and buss traffic. This creates many safety concerns because each of these three modes of transportation are different in size and operate at separate speeds and agility.

As a for instance, busses move slowly, have large blind spots, do not maneuver with agility, and their drivers are elevated.

Pedestrians (especially young children) are low to the ground, agile, and quick. At busy times of day, such as school pick up or drop off, students may dart in and out of traffic or cars may blindly pull out from behind a bus. These types of accidents are avoidable by separating the flows of traffic. Student movement is isolated to sidewalks and crosswalks; Busses and cars have separate entrances, drives, and circulation through the site.

Accidents greatly decrease when each of these unique modes of transportation flow separate from one another.

Security Cameras

Technology equipment has improved in its capacity, connectivity, and price in the last decade. Installing a campus-wide camera security system is easier than ever before. The speed and quality of the video has advanced, making the utility of cameras more helpful. Cameras may transmit feed to a central system via WI-FI or hard wire infrastructure. The central system may be cloud based, lessening physical requirements for server storage or additional computer equipment. Locating cameras in common spaces both inside and outside building provides enhanced protection of property and sense of security for users. Many states have made camera security systems a requirement for any major renovation or new work in schools.

Managing the daily operations and maintenance of aging buildings and infrastructure is an ongoing challenge. By periodically reviewing the common issues associated with aging academic buildings, Facility Managers may be better prepared to proactively prioritize, plan, and solve these issues in a way that improves building infrastructure, lowers operating costs, and mitigates financial loss. Regular review of the building envelope, building systems, educational programming, and safety and security systems will improve the lifespan of a school building and safeguard its role in providing a safe, comfortable, and fruitful learning environment for its community for the future.

Architecture and technology offer physical strategies to mitigate outside threats to student, faculty, and staff safety and security.

However, there are many plans, policies, and procedures school leadership teams can put in place to improve the level of safety and security from within. Regular review of perceived threats and implementation of plans or programs to thoughtfully address these threats is an important responsibility of school leaders. Threat assessment and response plans may include testing of the existing emergency notification system, faculty and staff education, collaboration with local first responders and social workers, de-escalation training, or implementing resiliency programs to mitigate concerns and promote a healthy school environment.

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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Long-Term Building Maintenance Schedule Understanding and planning for maintenance in an aging school building is critical to the appropriate prioritization of work, sequencing of repair/installation, and long-term financial budgeting. When the proper measures are taken to maintain an aging building, its useful life may last well beyond the conventional time frames. Regular maintenance is key to the longevity of a school building and its role to provide a safe, comfortable, and fruitful learning environment to the community.

Masonry

Assessment of masonry joints is recommended on a yearly basis. The integrity of the sealant is critical to keeping water out of a building enclosure and is typically the first to fail in the exterior wall system.

Flat Roofs

It is recommended that flat roofs be assessed and checked for holes, blistering, or ponding yearly.

Keeping the roof clear of debris such as decaying leaves, pine needles and dirt run-off that may encourage ponding is critical to elongating the lifespan of a roof. The risk of water pouring into the interior of the building increases in areas where water is ponding.

Shingle Roofs

Assess a shingle roof for loose or fallen shingles.

Reattaching shingles using adhesive will prolong their service life.

Yearly Rooftop-Mounted HVAC Units

An assessment of the condition of rooftopmounted HVAC units and pans are recommended on a yearly basis to ensure the pan is free from debris and holding water.

Window Seals

Window seals should be checked on a regular basis and all moving parts lubricated (such as jambs and latches) unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer.

Window Caulking and Weep Holes

The caulking around the windows should be checked along with the weep holes at the bottom of the window. The caulking should be intact with no separations from either the perimeter of the window or the exterior cladding or trim. Weep holes should be open and clear of debris.

Wood windows

Wooden windows should also be checked for peeling paint and rotting wood.

Doors

The hinges and locks of doors require periodic lubrication along with adjustment of the closers.

HVAC Equipment

Yearly preventative maintenance of existing equipment to determine if any parts are aging too rapidly or failing is helpful to extending the usable life of your equipment.

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

Door Hardware

Depending on the frequency of use, door hardware may need to be replaced within the five-toten-year period.

5-10 Years

10 Years Pumps

The pump for a hot water boiler or chiller may age out before the life span of the equipment itself. The average life span of a pump is approximately 10 years, depending on type, size, usage, and maintenance history.

Hot Water Heaters

The life expectancy of a hot water heater is approximately 10 years with efficient models lasting up to 20 years or longer depending on type, maintenance, and use.

15-20 Years Chillers

The average life span of a chiller is approximately 15 to 20 years based on the chiller’s location and maintenance history.

Steam Boilers

Older facilities may still have steam boilers serving their heating needs.

The average life expectancy of a steam boiler is 20 to 30 years, given proper care and maintenance. Signs a steam boiler may be nearing end of life include increased fuel consumption due to scale build up on boiler heat transfer surface or failure to maintain pressure due to Dissolved Oxygen (O2) Pitting Corrosion within the system.

20-30 Years Hot Water Boilers

Typical boilers last between 25 and 30 years and tankless approximately 20 years with regular maintenance of the system. Hot water boilers are expensive to replace, therefore require thorough planning and longterm financial budgeting. Signs a hot water boiler may be nearing end of life include inability to keep to set temperature, increased energy usage, improper fuel burn (visible by yellowed flames on gas burners or black soot on oil boilers), or water leaking from the unit.

Brass Supply Pipes

Steel Supply Pipes Steel supply pipes within a school are under constant pressure and use.

They have a lifespan of roughly 20-50 years.

20-50 Years

Brass supply pipes within a school are under constant pressure and use.

They have a lifespan of roughly 40-70 years.

25 Years Air Handling Units

Air Handling Units (AHU) regulate and circulate through large building areas.

Factors such as size, usage, and maintenance history impact the lifespan of an AHU, but on average they should last approximately 25 years. They are expensive to replace, therefore require careful planning and long-term financial budgeting. Signs an AHU may be nearing end of life include failure to maintain set temperature, decreased fan pressure, moisture leakage at the bottom of the unit, or odd noises caused from failing components.

40-70 Years

50+ Years Copper Supply Pipes

Copper supply pipes within a school are under constant pressure and use.

They have a lifespan of roughly 50 years or more.

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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About the Authors Regan Henry, PhD, RA, LEED AP, LSSBB Architect - Evidence-Based Design

Dr. Regan Henry brings a unique perspective to design through her background as an architect, researcher, and professor. In her role as Senior Architect – Evidence Based Design / Research at Elevar Design Group, Dr. Henry works to adapt the scientific process and evidence-based solutions to modern design problems. She is a Registered Architect, Doctor of Medicine in Molecular Biology (Germany), LEED Accredited Professional, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Lisa Cameron Gulley Senior Designer - Educational Planning

Lisa Cameron Gulley has over 20 years of experience in educational programming and design. She has been involved in nearly every educational project the firm has completed since 2000. Her knowledge of public and private education design allows Lisa to bring creative and unique solutions to each facility. Having been involved in numerous bond issue assistance efforts and community engagement campaigns, Lisa is highly skilled at incorporating important stakeholder values into her designs.

Dan Montgomery, RA, RRC, RRO, RWC, RBEC, REWC, IIBEC Senior Architect - Building Enclosure

Dan Montgomery specializes in the field of roof assembly and building enclosure analysis, design and project management. Dan has more than 30 years of design and construction experience and is one of approximately only 800 RRC’s in the country. Having passed all possible certifications from IIBEC, Dan is rare in the field standing out as a unique expert advisor on roofing and building enclosure services.

Tony Lozier, PE, LEED AP Senior Vice President - Engineering

Tony Lozier has more than 45 years of experience in MEP Engineering. As the leader of the Engineering team at Elevar Design Group, he directs all engineering services and ensures the highest quality results for clients. His widespread experience has served as an asset to many of Elevar’s projects, as Tony has the ability to lead the engineering team toward the best solutions for all client projects.

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Aging Schools: A Guidebook March 3, 2021

Notes 1 Center for Green Schools, the National Council on School Facilities, and the 21st Century School Fund, (2016), “State of our Schools – Americas k-12 Facilities,” https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-ourschools-report.pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 2 https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-our-schools-report. pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 3 National Center for Educational Statistics, “Table 217.10. Functional age of public schools' main instructional buildings and percentage of schools with permanent and portable (temporary) buildings, by selected school characteristics and condition of permanent and portable buildings: 2012.” https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_217.10.asp 4 National Center for Educational Statistics, “Table 217.10. Functional age of public schools' main instructional buildings and percentage of schools with permanent and portable (temporary) buildings, by selected school characteristics and condition of permanent and portable buildings: 2012.” https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d17/tables/dt17_217.10.asp 5 Center for Green Schools, the National Council on School Facilities, and the 21st Century School Fund, (2016), “State of our Schools – Americas k-12 Facilities,” https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-ourschools-report.pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 6 Center for Green Schools, the National Council on School Facilities, and the 21st Century School Fund, (2016), “State of our Schools – Americas k-12 Facilities,” https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-ourschools-report.pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 7 Center for Green Schools, the National Council on School Facilities, and the 21st Century School Fund, (2016), “State of our Schools – Americas k-12 Facilities,” https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-ourschools-report.pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 8 National Center for Education Statistics 9 https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-our-schools-report. pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 10 https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2020/2020024.pdf 11 Cheryan, Ziegler, Plaut, and Meltzoff, “Designing Classrooms to Maximize Student Achievement” Policy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 2014, Vol. 1(1) 4 –12 DOI: 10.1177/2372732214548677i/pdf/10.1177/2372732214548677 12 Center for Green Schools, the National Council on School Facilities, and the 21st Century School Fund, (2016), “State of our Schools – Americas k-12 Facilities,” https://kapost-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/published/56f02c3d626415b792000008/2016-state-of-ourschools-report.pdf?kui=wo7vkgV0wW0LGSjxek0N5A 13 Allen Et. al., “Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, “Environmental Health Perspectives 124, no. 6 (2016):805-812, figure 1.

14 https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

Elevar Design Group Regan Henry, Lisa Cameron Gulley, Dan Montgomery, Tony Lozier

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