Outdoors and Siting

Before a student ever enters a school building, the location and surroundings can have both a short- and long-term impact on health. Environmental and social drivers can influence student performance by impacting a student’s physiology, psychology, cognitive function, growth, and behavior.

While the pandemic underscored the importance of outdoor spaces, studies have shown that students with greater access to these spaces had better mental health, higher test scores, and lower chronic absenteeism. Ultimately, outdoor environments in academic settings play a critical role for students’ overall wellbeing, regardless of a public health crisis.

Top Health Considerations

01. Traffic-Related Air Pollution

02. Noise Pollution

03. Green Space

O.1 Accessible outdoor learning spaces

O.21

Traffic-Related Air Pollution

Proximity to major roadways and industrial sites can adversely impact children. In a 2017 study, nearly 8,000 US public schools were within 500 feet of highway, truck routes, and other roads with significant traffic. (73) Further, public schools with a high percentage of low-income students, eligible for free and reduced lunch were more likely to be near major roadways. (74) For the roughly 4.4 million students attending school near a roadway, they are likely exposed to high levels of traffic pollution. Exposure to air traffic pollution has long-term effects, especially for respiratory health. The combination of developing lungs, smaller airways and higher breathing rates result in greater exposure to air pollutants relative to size for children in comparison to adults. (75) Further, traffic-related air pollution:

• Can distract from learning (76),

• May lead to potential cognitive impairments (77),

• Prevent the opening of windows or outdoor play (78),

• Exacerbate asthma and other respiratory health conditions (79),

• Reduce lung function later in life (80).

• Associated with lower standardized test scores (81) (82) (83).

Adult faculty and staff on school grounds are also at risk. Traffic-related air pollution has been linked to negative adverse pregnancy outcomes. (84)

As a result, the US EPA recommends school districts avoid sites near major roads or truck routes. In 2015, the EPA released a guide for reducing road pollution at schools. (85) (86)

Yet traffic-related air pollution extends beyond proximity to roadways. The School Bus Fleet Fact Book 2023 estimates for the 2021-2022 School Year, 489,748 school buses transported 47,802,752 public school students daily. (87) Anti-idling bus policies vary across the U.S., but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus National Idle Reduction Campaign has research and strategies for protecting students from the health impacts of diesel exhaust pollutants. (88)

Noise Pollution

In addition to air pollutants, vehicular traffic also contributes noise pollution. A study by the CDC found that 14.9% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 had impaired hearing in at least one ear. (89) While personal devices played a high volume can contribute, so can noise pollution. The WHO defines noise above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution and poses a critical environmental threat to health. (90) Children are especially susceptible to the effects of noise pollution. A longitudinal study in Barcelona, Spain assessed the impact of traffic noise on child cognitive development. (91) The study found children exposed to about three times more noise pollution had memory development that was 23% slower and attention ability development 5% slower over the course of a year. Children need quieter environments for learning, in comparison to adults.

Green Space

Green spaces, such as tree cover, plants, and shrubs have been associated with impacts on student performance. Schools with more trees were shown to have higher test scores and lower chronic absenteeism. (92) Research has shown the connection between green space and overall health. A report by UNICEF highlighted the necessity of green spaces, especially in urban areas. (93) Many studies note physiological benefits, such as reduced levels of stress hormones and blood pressure when children are exposed to green spaces. On the academic performance side, though, a study in Illinois noted students with green views recovered more quickly from stress and scored 14% better on tests of attention compared to students with no windows or barren views. (94)

Activities in nature may benefit children socially, including improvements in self-esteem, confidence, resilience, and stress. (95) Green spaces can be utilized in a variety of ways, from play spaces, to classrooms, to dining spaces. Eating outside is a welcomed break and opportunity to recharge. Research shows greater time spent outside is even associated with healthier dietary patterns in children. (96) Time spent outdoors also increases levels of Vitamin D, which is essential for children’s growth and development. According to CHOP, spending 15 to 30 minutes outside stimulates the production of Vitamin D. (97) Offering outdoor dining allows students to experience both physical and mental health benefits.