PRISM Schools
As global temperatures rise, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate in schools has never been more critical. Did you know that even a modest increase of just 1°C in classroom temperature can lead to a decline of 1-2% in students' task performance?
This is not just a number - it has significant implications for the wellbeing and academic success of both students and teachers. Overheating in classrooms reduces cognitive performance, increases discomfort, and hampers the learning experience. Effective solutions are urgently needed.
To demonstrate how Dynamic Solar Shading can contribute to tackling these pressing challenges, we present PRISM Schools, an innovative tool developed by DGMR and bba Binnenmilieu in collaboration with Somfy. PRISM Schools gives school designers and managers the insights into the benefits of Dynamic Solar Shading (DSS) while ensuring compliance with guidelines outlined in Het Programma van Eisen (PvE) Frisse Scholen (The Program of Requirements for Fresh Schools).
Understanding the Impact of a Poor Indoor Climate
A conducive indoor environment is essential for concentration, productivity, and overall health in educational settings. According to experts from bba Binnenmilieu, “Comfort includes a pleasant temperature, good air quality, adequate natural light without glare, and minimal surrounding noise distractions.” Failing to meet these conditions can result in headaches, fatigue, and increased risks of infections, all negatively impacting student performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Urgency of Good Indoor Climate: Improved indoor climate is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for enhancing learning outcomes.
Aging Infrastructure in the Education Sector
Classroom overheating is further exacerbated by climate change and aging building designs. Many older schools were designed to retain heat, which is increasingly problematic as outside temperatures rise. Even newer schools face challenges, often lacking operable windows that facilitate passive cooling. This dependence on energy-intensive air conditioning systems not only elevates costs but also conflicts with sustainability goals.
A Holistic Approach to Combat Overheating
To effectively address the increasing issues of classroom overheating, a multifaceted strategy is essential. Investing in Dynamic Solar Shading enables intelligent temperature regulation by controlling solar heat, allowing classrooms to remain cooler and reducing reliance on air conditioning.
Combined Benefits:
- Enhanced Ventilation: By integrating DSS with operable windows and fans, schools can maximize natural cooling and minimize dependence on artificial solutions. Experts confirm that these integrated strategies, along with modern technology, can effectively combat classroom overheating and improve overall comfort.
The Path Forward
The pressing question remains: how can we secure the comfort and wellbeing of our schoolchildren? Addressing overheating demands that schools invest in solutions that improve indoor air quality. Such investments not only provide immediate comfort but also align with the long-term sustainability goals of educational institutions, fostering a healthier, more productive environment for both students and teachers.
By showcasing the challenges schools face and introducing PRISM as a critical tool for optimising indoor climate through DSS, we establish the context for the necessary changes that ultimately promote student health and educational success.
In summary, PRISM Schools offers invaluable insights into the impact of dynamic shading systems on indoor climate and building sustainability, guiding designers, building owners, and stakeholders toward effective solutions. By adopting a balanced approach that blends advanced automated shading solutions with passive cooling techniques, schools can significantly enhance comfort while lowering energy consumption and operational costs.