Decarbonization for School Buildings
DECARBONIZATION IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Decarbonization for school buildings can have a significant impact on not only carbon emissions but also building function, student learning, and overall community well-being. Decarbonization involves transitioning buildings to all-electric power in combination with renewable or carbon-free energy sources. K-12 schools are one of the largest public sector consumers of energy, producing the equivalent of approximately 15 million cars per year. Whether constructing a new school building or retrofitting an existing building, there are a number of effective building decarbonization solutions that can be implemented to help reduce a school’s carbon footprint.
STRATEGIES FOR DECARBONIZATION FOR SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Decarbonization is the process of reducing carbon emissions from being released into the environment. When it comes to public school buildings, there are two primary sources of carbon emissions: operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon is emitted from heating and cooling schools, lighting, and other daily activities that rely on power. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions created by construction materials and throughout the building process.
Some examples of building decarbonization solutions for schools include: